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DIY oatmeal toppings

March 18, 2012 | byVanessa Perrone

Bowl of oatmeal with raisins, walnuts, and brown sugar.

I have a confession. Up until recently, I was not a fan of oatmeal. The truth is, I had stolen spoonfuls from fellow breakfasters in the past but could never get passed the soft texture or the cloying sweetness of the varieties I had tasted. I just figured it wasn’t for me. Years later, I realized I hadn’t given poor oatmeal a fair chance. So I decided to take matters into my own hands and do it myself. The result? Let’s just say that I had a revelation and I have definitely made amends with oatmeal, which has since earned a top spot on my breakfast staples list.

 

The takeaway message from this experience is that when it comes to oatmeal, as with many other foods, your best bet is to purchase it whole, real and plain. Take the reins by flavouring oatmeal yourself and be delighted with a tasty final product that is nutritionally superior, too.

 

Oatmeal is a whole grain that contains a type of soluble fiber known as beta-glucan, known for its cholesterol-lowering properties. The viscous quality of this fiber also helps us feel fuller longer, making oatmeal a satiating breakfast option.  Which kind should you buy? I am less fond of instant oatmeal; it is partially cooked and the resulting texture is very soft. Also, instant oatmeal often contains salt, sugar and artificial colouring. If you’re pressed for time, quick-cooking rolled oats will do the trick; scan the ingredient list for 100% whole grain rolled oats. However, if you have more time on your hands, old fashioned oats or steel cut oats are well-worth the wait; they’re chewy, nutty and delicious.

Another reason to DIY with oatmeal is that most flavoured mixes are laden with added sugars, most varieties offering 2-3 teaspoons per packet. By choosing an unsweetened variety, you can control the amount you need or cut it out completely by using fruit to sweeten your porridge. Nixing the flavoured mixes and doing it yourself is a simple trade-off that is well worth it, especially if it’s part of your daily routine.

Swap popular flavour mixes with these toppings instead:

 


Are you an oatmeal lover or hater? What’s your favourite oatmeal topping? Have you every underestimated a food product and gave it a second chance?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marnely Rodriguez says

    March 18, 2012 at 9:09 pm

    I WISH I could get into loving oatmeal, but to no avail. Love your suggestions thou!

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      March 18, 2012 at 9:21 pm

      It’s ok, your homemade granola definitely makes up for it !

      Reply
  2. Rosanna says

    April 6, 2012 at 7:34 am

    I tried the apple+chia+cinnamon+brown sugar this AM!
    On steel cut oats!
    It was delicious!

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      April 6, 2012 at 7:58 am

      That’s my favourite one. I’m a sucker for anything apple pie tasting…glad you liked it!!

      Reply
  3. Rachel says

    February 19, 2013 at 10:20 pm

    I recently discovered a love for oatmeal when I realized that it is a low calorie filling food. I love mine this way:
    1/2 cup oatmeal
    1 banana mashed
    1/3 cup coconut milk
    1 tbsp honey

    Happy Breakfast

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      February 19, 2013 at 10:44 pm

      Rachel, that sounds delicious! Haven’t tried oatmeal with coconut milk, but I just might now. Thanks for stopping by 🙂

      Reply

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