6 Ways to Power Up Your Oatmeal
When there is a slight chill in the air, nothing is more comforting than a warm breakfast. Oatmeal is comforting, tastes great and is a much smarter choice than sugary cereal. Deemed one of the world’s healthiest food items, oats are packed with fiber and antioxidants that keep you fuller longer, keep your blood sugars stable and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Oats are also an excellent source of manganese, which supports bone production and protects against free radical damage. While plain oats are good, you can really kick your daily oatmeal into overdrive with some smart additions. Here are six foods you should add to your oatmeal to power up your breakfast.
Egg Whites
Not only do egg whites boost your breakfast protein, they also add great texture to the oatmeal. Balancing the protein (from the eggs) and the carbohydrates (from the oatmeal) can keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day, which will keep you going strong and avoid crashes. Try this simple recipe!
Blueberries
Frozen berries are easy to keep on hand. Microwaving blueberries with your oatmeal will release some of their juices, which sweeten your oatmeal naturally. The readily available sugar from the fruit makes a perfect breakfast to fuel you through a workout. Loaded with antioxidants, one cup of berries is a great addition to your morning meal.
Learn more about the benefits of blueberries.
Cinnamon
Sometimes simple is best. A hefty dash of cinnamon can add a ton of flavor. Cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar, and some studies have shown its ability to reduce inflammation. Cinnamon can be thrown in along with many of the other additions on this list to create a unique and enjoyable mix of flavors.
Walnuts
High in omega-3 fats, walnuts can help prevent heart disease and lower cholesterol. They’re also a great source of protein and can add extra fiber to your breakfast, helping you stay fuller longer and have a super productive morning.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese can add sweetness to your oats, and it packs a powerful protein punch. A mere 4 ounces contain 13 grams of protein! Cottage cheese also contains live cultures that help your body break down and absorb nutrients.
Pumpkin
Full of vitamins A, C and E, pumpkin adds a creamy texture to your meals. Just 1/2 cup should give you all the flavor you need without overpowering the oatmeal. Just don’t use the inside of that jack-o-lantern that’s rotting on your porch.
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6 Ways to Power Up Your Oatmeal
When there is a slight chill in the air, nothing is more comforting than a warm breakfast. Oatmeal is comforting, tastes great and is a much smarter choice than sugary cereal. Deemed one of the world’s healthiest food items, oats are packed with fiber and antioxidants that keep you fuller longer, keep your blood sugars stable and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Oats are also an excellent source of manganese, which supports bone production and protects against free radical damage. While plain oats are good, you can really kick your daily oatmeal into overdrive with some smart additions. Here are six foods you should add to your oatmeal to power up your breakfast.
Egg Whites
Not only do egg whites boost your breakfast protein, they also add great texture to the oatmeal. Balancing the protein (from the eggs) and the carbohydrates (from the oatmeal) can keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day, which will keep you going strong and avoid crashes. Try this simple recipe!
Blueberries
Frozen berries are easy to keep on hand. Microwaving blueberries with your oatmeal will release some of their juices, which sweeten your oatmeal naturally. The readily available sugar from the fruit makes a perfect breakfast to fuel you through a workout. Loaded with antioxidants, one cup of berries is a great addition to your morning meal.
Learn more about the benefits of blueberries.
Cinnamon
Sometimes simple is best. A hefty dash of cinnamon can add a ton of flavor. Cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar, and some studies have shown its ability to reduce inflammation. Cinnamon can be thrown in along with many of the other additions on this list to create a unique and enjoyable mix of flavors.
Walnuts
High in omega-3 fats, walnuts can help prevent heart disease and lower cholesterol. They’re also a great source of protein and can add extra fiber to your breakfast, helping you stay fuller longer and have a super productive morning.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese can add sweetness to your oats, and it packs a powerful protein punch. A mere 4 ounces contain 13 grams of protein! Cottage cheese also contains live cultures that help your body break down and absorb nutrients.
Pumpkin
Full of vitamins A, C and E, pumpkin adds a creamy texture to your meals. Just 1/2 cup should give you all the flavor you need without overpowering the oatmeal. Just don’t use the inside of that jack-o-lantern that’s rotting on your porch.