Why eat oatmeal in the morning?? Well, first of all, why not?! My idea of oatmeal growing up was the Quaker brand instant packets like maple & brown sugar or peaches & cream. My sister & I loved the dinosaur edition that had little dinosaur eggs in it which I’m still not sure what those were made of… & I don’t want to know. I was convinced that the Quaker guy on the front of the package with white hair was the only one who could make oatmeal.
The first time I tried oats that were not quick oats filled with sugar, I realized oatmeal didn’t have to be completely mushy in texture. Rolled oats cooked on the stovetop was more like a warm, cozy cereal drizzled with maple syrup or sprinkled with brown sugar. Game changer! There are endless add-ins to create a super yummy power breakfast bowl to start your day filled with nutrients.
Oats are high in fiber keeping you full throughout the morning while also aiding in digestion, lowers cholestral, helps balance glucose levels, provides some protein & is low fat. I wake up & look forward to eating my oatmeal, which is basically every morning, because it’s so darn yummy. I always start with the same base then add-in spices or ingredients from there:
Base
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk of choice (I use 2%)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 Tablespoons honey
Simply combine all ingredients including add-ins in a small pot & bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes covered while stirring every couple minutes. The oatmeal is ready when it is tender & all the liquid is absorbed.
Three of my favorite oatmeal recipes I like to start my day with mimic classic desserts. Carrot cake, chunky monkey, & strawberry cheesecake! Heck yeah give me some chunky monkey for breakfast. All dessert oatmeals use the base recipe along with the customized spices & add-ins.
Carrot Cake Oatmeal
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot (1lg. carrot)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ginger
- 2 Tablespoons golden raisins
- chopped pecans to top
Strawberry Cheesecake Oatmeal
- 2 Tablespoons cream cheese (I use 1/3 less fat)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- crushed walnuts to top
- 5 thinly sliced strawberries to top as well
Chunky Monkey Oatmeal
- 1 Tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 mashed ripe banana
- extra peanut butter to top
