My family seems to live of oats. This healthy grain is always around to fill tummies and to give energy and comfort where it is needed. Heck, many a Sunday evening when this mom is not in the mood to cook anymore, my children would grab a bowl of quick oats. I have even caught my teenager with a bowl just before her two hour swim practice, making sure she has enough energy to carry her through a tough set. It even seems to make its way on our camping trips. Jip, oats is a big part of this family’s breakfast repertoire. If I find my pantry without oats for a day or so I almost feel like I have been caught with my pants down.
A friend of mine remarked the other day how her family does not like oats because it is so bland. Well never despair! Here is a quick idea to perk up your healthy bowl of gluten-free, whole grain that is a great source of vitamins, fibre minerals and anti-oxidants with added perks of weight-loss, lower blood sugar and reduced risk of heart disease. It is also the perfect blank canvas to further add nutrition in the form of your favorite fruits, nuts, yoghurt, seeds and heck if you want to why not peanut butter and dark chocolate chips.
Why is oatmeal seen as healthy?
Oats is seen as healthy for quite a few reasons, here is a few of my favorites:
- Oats contain both soluble and insoluble fibre that lowers cholesterol and help stabilize blood sugar levels. It also assists the body with intestinal health.
- Oats have a variety of anti-oxidants that has been found to exibit anti-inflammatory activity. It may provide protection against coronary disease and colon cancer.
- One cup of cooked oats has 4 grams of fibre and six grams of protein.
- Oats keep you full for longer and can thus help you to loose weight.
For this delicious bowl of oats I added some naturally flavored yoghurt from a dairy farm near to us as well as berries, some almonds and banana. Top it with a teaspoon of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon and you have a beautiful creamy, rich breakfast that will make your family sing.
Serves 2. Takes about 20 minutes. Easy.
You will need:
1 cup rolled oats
2 cups boiling water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
To top your oats:
Blue berries
Goose berries
Sliced banana
Almonds
Naturally flavored yoghurt
Some honey and if you want some extra cinnamon
Instructions:
- Place all the ingredients excluding the toppings in a saucepan and bring everything to a boil. Cook for about 5 minutes and then reduce the heat.
- Simmer for 10 minutes and remove from heat.
- Let the oats cool down for a few minutes with the lid on the saucepan.
- Dish the oats into your favorite bowls and top with the fruits, nuts, yoghurt, honey and cinnamon.
