One Food, Many Ways: Oatmeal

Few things say “fall comfort” like a big bowl of oatmeal in the morning. While most of us conjure up this image when we think of the word “oatmeal”, oats can be so much more than that! Take a look at this versatile grain:

Oatmeal

It’s warm, it’s filling, and the combinations are endless. Stir in your favorite flavor extracts, like vanilla or almond, and top with nuts, fruit, or nut butters for a fresh twist on this classic. I like to stir in protein powder to give it some extra staying power and a little cinnamon for flavor. Why not check out Maggie Y’s article for her yummy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal recipe? And have you ever tried Baked Oatmeal? I guarantee it’s worth the time, and you can even make it the night before!

Cookies

Create a healthy spin on any cookie recipe by throwing some good old whole grains into the mix. Oatmeal Raisin cookies are a classy yet delicious alternative to those Mrs. Fields cookies that you crave from your local mall. Throw in nuts or chocolate chips to keep your tummy happy and your body thanking you for giving it a treat and feeding your body right. Try this healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie recipe! By replacing some of the butter with applesauce, you can indulge without the bulge.

Smoothies

Sounds strange, but don’t knock it until you try it. Soak your oats in milk overnight, then the next morning, put it in a blender with a banana and your favorite flavorings and you’ve got yourself cookie dough in a bowl. Kath Younger, of Kath Eats Real Food, created what she likes to call the Dough Boy Smoothie. No blender? No problem! You can soak your oats overnight and eat them cold in the morning just as they are. This is affectionately called “overnight oats” in the food blogosphere. It’s a modern twist on the classic bowl of oatmeal. Round out your bowl with your favorite toppings.

Granola

Crunchy and sweet, clusters or not, granola is super easy to make at home. While store brands can be loaded with added sugars and fat, making your own gives you total control over what goes into your granola and, therefore, your chic body. Julie, a.k.a. Peanut Butter Fingers, has a mouthwatering recipe for Almond Butter Granola.

And there you have it! I love throwing oats into almost all of my baking projects. Pancakes, muffins, and breads are all perfect when prepared with oats. As a whole grain, oats give you fiber, and there are so many varieties to choose from: old-fashioned, instant, rolled, steel-cut, and the list goes on. Each has their own unique texture and preparation instructions, so try them out and pick your favorite. With fall just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to experiment with this nutritional superstar.

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Ellen Ratliff is a Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. She loves oats in all of its forms: oatmeal, pancakes, baked, muffins, and granola.