Clean Eating Gingerbread Oatmeal Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest way to make oatmeal? ›

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.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a nutrient-rich fruit packed with antioxidants that support heart health and cognitive function. 10 They're low in calories and high in fiber, which supports satiety while improving gut health.

Steel-cut oats, also called Irish oatmeal, are the whole oat kernel that has been cut into two or three pieces using steel disks. This type of oats contains the highest amount of fiber, as it is least processed. Steel-cut oats take a little longer to cook, and result in a creamy and chewy porridge.

Want to keep your heart healthy? Eat oatmeal. Research shows that a daily bowl of oatmeal can lower your levels of total cholesterol and artery-clogging bad cholesterol. (High cholesterol levels can be a contributing factor to heart disease.)

Here are some fun topping ideas: nut butter of choice, sun butter, almonds, walnuts, pecans, toasted coconut, chocolate chips, organic flax seeds, hemp hearts, fresh fruit, berries, ripe bananas, granola, raisins or dried cranberries, sprinkle of cinnamon.

Oatmeal contains a soluble fiber called beta-glucan that can help improve insulin response and possibly reduce blood sugar too. People with type 2 diabetes may find that incorporating oatmeal into their diet helps them manage their blood sugar levels, as long as they do not add extra sugar to the dish.

Banana has signficantly more Vitamin C than oat. Oat has more thiamin, pantothenic acid and folate, however, banana contains more Vitamin B6. Both oats and banana are high in dietary fiber and potassium. Banana has 9.8 times less saturated fat than oat.

This protein-packed healthy breakfast recipe gets a touch of sweetness from apple and crunch from walnuts. Feel free to pick your favorite fruit (try berries or pears) and nuts (maybe almonds or pistachios) to personalize your healthy oatmeal.

What is better for you than oatmeal? ›

Nuts and seeds can be a great grain-free substitute for oatmeal if you're following a paleo diet. In addition to being rich in heart-healthy fats, fiber, and protein, foods like almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and pecans are all high in plenty of essential vitamins and minerals ( 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ).

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.

Oats, despite being a complex carbohydrate, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, especially when consumed in large quantities. This can be a concern for individuals with diabetes or those aiming to regulate their blood sugar levels.

Refined sugar

"The worst ingredient to add to overnight oats if your goal is to lose weight is sugar," Macpherson confirms, explaining that this sweet ingredient "contributes no nutrients." And if you're trying to slim down or just maintain a healthy diet, providing your body with ample nutrients is essential.

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.

Is it better to eat cooked or raw oats? Cooked oats might be easier to digest for some, as cooking helps break down the starch they contain. However, neither way to eat oats is better or worse. How you choose to eat them—either raw or cooked—comes down to personal preference.

There aren't any major differences in the nutrition benefits of the three types of oats.

Other Oatmeal Topping Ideas:

Nut butters (cashew, peanut butter, almond butter) Dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, dried cherries) Fresh fruit (chopped apples, pineapple, mango, berries, peaches, pomegranate seeds)