Spice Up Your Oatmeal

January is National Oatmeal Month. Whether you’re an oatmeal fanatic looking for new ways to approach your go-to breakfast or want some convincing to give oatmeal a try, now is the time to jump on the oatmeal bandwagon. 

Benefits of Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a go-to breakfast option for many aging individuals because it’s packed with nutrients. Oats are a well-balanced source of carbohydrates and fiber. One soluble fiber in oats is beta-glucan, which may reduce total cholesterol and blood sugar levels. 

Oats also contain many essential vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, iron, vitamin B1, and vitamin B5. Whole oats are also high in antioxidants, which may lower blood pressure and present other anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it’s a common ingredient in moisturizers and cleansing gels. 

Not all oatmeals are created equal. Rolled, crushed, and steel-cut oats take a bit to cook, but they’re some of the most intact oats, containing many nutrients and benefits. While quicker to make, instant oatmeals often have high amounts of sugar and artificial preservatives. If possible, steer away from instant oats to reap the full health benefits. 

Preparing Your Oatmeal

Oatmeal tastes excellent, and it’s easy to spice up with a few ingredients, changing the flavor profile to savory or sweet. You can also prep them the night before for an early morning or mid-day treat. 

Sweet Oatmeal

Sweet oatmeal is the most common way for many individuals to prepare oatmeal. However, when bringing sweetness to your oatmeal, you want to ensure you’re adding the right sweetness without taking away from the nutritional benefits. 

Instead of adding tablespoons of cane sugar or brown sugar, you can stir in one tablespoon of raw honey or pure maple syrup. You can also try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg while the oatmeal is cooking. You can also try adding fruits, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, which contain natural sugars for a more sweet flavor profile.

Savory Oatmeal

If you’re not a fan of starting your day with sweet treats, try making savory oatmeal. Instead of fruits and honey, cook up some of your favorite veggies, like broccoli, peppers, onions, or spinach. Stir the vegetables into the oatmeal while it cooks. You can eat it as is or add an egg or two for additional protein. Make sure the egg is cooked and no longer runny before eating. If you like a touch of spice, you can add a dash of hot sauce to complete your meal. 

Overnight Oats

Some mornings are busy, and you don’t feel like cooking. The great thing about oats is you can prep them the night before, place them in your fridge, and they’ll be ready for you to enjoy as soon as you wake up. 

Start by placing half a cup of oats in a mason jar or another glass container with a lid. Add ¼ cup of oat milk and ¼ cup of plain Greek yogurt in the same jar. Stir everything together. Next, add frozen or fresh fruit and a tablespoon of raw honey or syrup. Stir everything one last time and place it in the fridge. Let the oatmeal settle in the refrigerator for at least two hours before eating.

If you’re a senior who needs help safely preparing food or cooking, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our Horsham office serves those in Horsham, Hatboro, Willow Grove, Ambler, Lower Gwynedd, Spring House, and the surrounding areas. To learn more about our services or schedule a complimentary consultation, send us a message or call 215-938-7202.