5 Ways to Spice Up Your Oatmeal

The new year is upon us, and for many, that means finding ways to live a healthier life. And what better way to start the day than with a hearty, healthy breakfast? Whether you’re looking for more nutritious meals, or you want to switch up your breakfast routine, consider these unique ways to spice up your oatmeal.

Benefits of Oatmeal

Oatmeal is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. With just a half cup of oats, you can nourish your body with magnesium, vitamin B, iron, and folate. Oats are also filled with fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol and blood sugar. If that wasn’t enough, oats also contain antioxidants that work in the body to lower blood pressure.

Oatmeal provides tons of benefits, but those health benefits can be lost if not prepared properly. When choosing oats, look for rolled, crushed, or steel-cut. They take longer to cook but aren’t highly processed like instant oats. You should also avoid adding sugar, honey, or products with added sugar. Instead, if you’re craving a sweet treat, add ingredients with natural sugars such as blueberries, strawberries, or mangos. You can also bring out the sweetness with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. 

Spice Up Your Oatmeal in 5 Unique Ways

Many people know to add spices and fruits to their oatmeal, but there’s plenty of other options for keeping oatmeal healthy and flavorful.

1. Nut Butters- Nut butters, such as peanut butter or almond butter, not only add flavor, they’re also a great source of protein. Cook your oats and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of your favorite nut butter. Add the nut butter while the oatmeal is still hot to help it stir in evenly. Try to use natural nut butters and stay away from sugary nut spreads from Jiffy or Skip brands.
2. Overnight Oats- If you’re not much of a morning person, but you want to make more of an effort to eat a healthy breakfast, overnight oats are for you! Plus, they only take 5 minutes to prepare. Place ½ cup of oatmeal, a ½ cup of milk (preferably a nut, oat, or soy milk), and ¼ cup of non-fat Greek yogurt into a bowl. Add in additional ingredients, such as berries, nut butters, and spices to your liking. Mix everything together and transfer the contents into a glass jar. Cover the jar and place it in the fridge to set overnight. If the consistency is too thick the next morning, add milk or water for a creamier texture.
3. Greek Yogurt- You’ve probably heard of putting granola in yogurt, but oatmeal and Greek yogurt make a great pairing as well. Cook the oatmeal as usual, then add the same amount of Greek yogurt as you did oats (for example, if you used ½ cup of oats, then add ½ cup of Greek yogurt). Use plain Greek yogurt to keep the dish healthy. Add in some fresh berries and a dash of cinnamon and enjoy!
4. Eggs- Most people opt for sweet oatmeal, but if you’re feeling adventurous or sweets aren’t your thing, why not try something savory? Start by cooking your oatmeal according to the directions. One cooked, add a pinch of salt and pepper. While your oats are cooking, prepare eggs on the stove however you like. Once the eggs are cooked, add them to your oatmeal. Top the dish with scallion greens, cilantro, or parsley. If you struggle with high cholesterol or a heart condition, remove the yolk for scrambled egg whites instead.
5. Veggies- Want another savory option? Try veggies! Prepare your oatmeal as usual and set it aside. Chop up carrots, mushrooms, and peppers and simmer on the stovetop for 5 minutes or until tender. Add in some spinach or kale and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the veggies to your oatmeal with a dash of salt and pepper, stir and enjoy. You can also add in eggs for an extra filling meal.

How Visiting Angels Can Help

Visiting Angels Wayzata is here to help if you’re not confident in the kitchen to test a new oatmeal recipe. Our team of caregivers provides meal preparation services to help clients cook outside of their comfort zone. In addition to help in the kitchen, our caregivers can assist with personal grooming, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation. Our Wayzata office serves those in Minneapolis and the surrounding west and southwest communities. If you’d like to learn more about how Visiting Angels can help, give us a call at 952-935-0789.