Oatmeal: The Ideal Breakfast
The times of breakfast rolls and bread topped with jam, cheese or sausage for breakfast are over. Even cereal or granola as a healthy alternative has to watch out because the popularity of oatmeal is on the rise.
Oatmeal: The Origin
Originally oatmeal came from Scotland. There, oatmeal was generally eaten for breakfast by working families. However, it didn’t end at breakfast, oatmeal was often also eaten for lunch or dinner. Today the oats are mixed directly with water or milk, but back in the day this wasn’t the case. Cold milk, cream or buttermilk was placed on the table and people would dip the spoon full of oats directly into the milk. Sweetened oatmeal was generally only for the children.
Oatmeal: Off Into The Grocery Store
In grocery stores you can find a vast variety of ready-made oatmeal. The flavors range from chocolate-banana and chai to fruit varieties of blueberry, apple or strawberry. Although the instant products are quick and easy to prepare at home or in the office, they have two significant disadvantages. They usually contain a lot of sugar and they are quite expensive compared to homemade oatmeal.
DIY Oatmeal
Cheaper and not much more time consuming is the do-it-yourself variety. You can add whatever you would like to your oatmeal. The basic ingredients are oats, water or milk. Milk will make your oatmeal creamier, but if you want to save some calories or are lactose intolerant, water will do the trick as well. A little bit of vanilla or cinnamon will give the oatmeal a sweet touch. No reason to reach for the sugar. Honey or agave nectar will have the same effect.
For example try the EAT SMARTER multi grain oatmeal or make a fruity version with fresh fruit and berries.
Oatmeal: Nutritious and Filling
Although a big breakfast with bread, eggs and bacon may be tasty, it is definitely not smart. Oatmeal is ideal for your body. The oats will bring us up to speed and supply the body with protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, fiber and minerals. In addition, oatmeal is considered extremely gentle on the stomach. Even though oatmeal contains a lot of calories, it does not necessarily make you gain weight. This is because the fiber content regulates your digestion, keep you feeling full and also keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check.
