Clean Eating Gingerbread Oatmeal Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest thing to add to oatmeal? ›

Additions to make it healthier

Here are some foods to pair with oatmeal to bolster its protein or fat content: a couple of spoonfuls of nut butter, nuts, or seeds. a scoop of protein powder. beaten egg whites (mixed into oatmeal while cooking) or a fried egg on top.

High-sugar toppings like chocolate, syrup, and dried fruit

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

"Steel-cut oats can absorb more water than instant oats, and they're also superior to instant oatmeal because they are less processed and have a better nutrient profile,” she says. You can also spruce up your oatmeal with healthy toppings like fresh fruit.

Think Beyond Water. For a boost of calcium and creamy flavor, make oatmeal with low-fat milk or plant-based milk instead of water. Or try making it with apple cider instead for a boost of flavor. The ratio of liquid to oats stays the same, so you can easily make this switch.

Drizzle date syrup, agave nectar, or buckwheat honey for a more nuanced sweetness than straight-up sugar. Cook oats with fresh fruit like blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries for added texture, flavor, and plenty of beautiful color.

This suggests oats can be consumed every day. However, since oats are high in fiber, you may notice changes in your stool's appearance and the frequency at which you poop. Consuming an excess amount of oats may also lead to decreased nutrient absorption.

Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away. When applied to the skin: Lotion containing oat extract is possibly safe to use on the skin.

5. A Bowl of Oatmeal May Help Reduce Belly Fat. Another win for oatmeal's soluble fiber: It may help reduce visceral fat, the type of fat in your midsection that hugs your organs and raises your risk of heart disease and stroke — even if your body mass index is deemed normal, notes the AHA.

Which oats reduce belly fat? ›

Almonds brim with protein and healthy fats, making them a great addition to round out a bowl of oatmeal.

Both cottage cheese and yogurt are great on their own, but these two ingredients also deserve a spot in your next bowl of oats. Harbstreet recommends adding cottage cheese because just one half cup adds a whopping 12 extra grams of protein.

Fresh fruit – you can't go wrong with bananas and berries, but almost any fruit will work. I personally love my strawberries and cream and blueberry oatmeal. Dried fruit – add raisins, cranberries, dried cherries or dates to your bowl of oats. You could also try my cinnamon raisin oatmeal.

Milk not only gives your oats a creamy and slightly sweet taste but it also packs in extra nutrients like calcium and protein, making your breakfast even healthier.

Oatmeal is a nutritious snack that offers numerous health benefits when eaten daily. Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect.