Unexpected Healthy Oatmeal Ingredients
Coffee or Tea
When we first added brewed coffee to our oatmeal, we were blown away by the results—it tastes GREAT! You can also add instant coffee to whatever liquid you ordinarily put in your oatmeal for a little extra flair and a caffeine kick. Not a coffee person? Brew a cup of your favorite tea…
Double the Liquid
Our #1 hack to super-size your oatmeal without adding calories is to add twice as much liquid to your oats, cook them for twice as long as is typically recommended, then let them cool and thicken. (Don’t skip the thickening step!) Basic formula: 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats + 1 cup water + 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, cooked for 12–15 minutes and cool for 10. Click to see how!
Freeze-Dried Fruit
Fruit in oatmeal is a no-brainer, but have you tried freeze-dried fruit? It's shelf stable and lasts a long time, it doesn't require any prep, and once the fruit hits liquid, it reconstitutes and develops into the perfect texture!
Protein Powder
Oats contain fiber and protein, but extra protein makes it extra filling! While your oatmeal is cooking, dissolve a scoop of protein powder in a little water, and stir it into the oatmeal once it’s cooked. (If you add while it’s cooking, the texture can get weird.)
Canned Pumpkin
When it’s not seasoned or sweetened (a la pumpkin pie filling), canned pumpkin doesn’t taste like much. But nutritionally, it contributes a lot: fiber, vitamin A, and more. That means you can add it to your oatmeal without your breakfast tasting like Thanksgiving.
Powdered Peanut Butter
Peanut powder (aka powdered PB) brings a lot to the table when added to your oatmeal. It thickens the texture, adds protein, and obviously gives it that great nutty flavor. Add a little fresh fruit or a swirl of low-sugar jam and you’re in comfort-food city.
Grated Zucchini or Carrot
Looking to sneak some extra veggies into your life? Take inspiration from zucchini bread and carrot cake! Add the grated veggies in while the oats cook so they can soften up too, then sweeten & spice it to complete the flavor profile. Or try it in overnight oats…
Savory Ingredients
Wanna skip the sweets entirely? Take your hot cereal in a savory direction: Get inspired by cheese grits, Italian risotto, and Chinese congee. Reach for ingredients like grated Parmesan, miso paste, sun-dried tomatoes, cooked greens, eggs, and hot sauce.
Chew on this:
Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today. (It's cold out there every day. What is this, Miami Beach?) That's right, woodchuck-chuckers, it's… Groundhog Day!
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