Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Where is Your Oatmeal?

What is for breakfast this morning? Stuck in a yogurt rut ( like me? ) or just grabbing some fruit? It's cold outside and your body would like a kick start from the slumber the night before. Oatmeal is Clean and ready in minutes.



1) Oatmeal is natural and nearly unprocessed.
Oatmeal is healthy and natural for one basic reason – it’s made entirely of oats, which are very healthy grains. And even better, the oats are nearly unprocessed. That’s what really sets oatmeal apart from cereals that come out of a box.(Those cereals are usually just white flour plus some added nutrients to make it appear healthy, when in actuality most nutrients were already stripped out of the ingredients during the processing.)
Steel cut oatmeal is preferable to regular - but regular can make for a faster prep and any oatmeal is good oatmeal - so don't sweat it if you buy regular over steel cut.

2) Oatmeal keeps you full.
Oatmeal keeps you full longer than most other foods. Since the oats are whole grain, there’s plenty of fiber, which helps you feel satiated. Oatmeal “sticks to your gut” as they say.


3) Oatmeal is packed with protein, fiber, and tons of good nutrients.
While there are lots of carbs, oatmeal also contains protein, fiber, and other important nutrients. Among others, one beneficial nutrient is that soluble fiber which may reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad one) without lowering HDL cholesterol (the good one.) Oatmeal is high in manganese, selenium, phosphorus, and Vitamin B1.


4) Oatmeal makes a great conduit for fruit.
Besides oatmeal, fruit is also great for breakfast. And oatmeal just happens to taste great with fruit mixed in!
Flavor your oatmeal with blueberries, strawberries, bananas, or peaches for a great breakfast where you also get potent antioxidants and nutrients from the fruit.