Traditional Breakfast MAKEOVER: how to up your Oatmeal game

This goes along with the one ingredient but I think it is important to mention.
As I mentioned oats are a great foundation for breakfast, we are looking for the most natural, pure product

Steel-cut vs. Rolled oats: We have both steel cut and rolled oats in the house but 9 times out of 10 we grab the rolled oats out of pure convenience.

Steel-cut oats take longer to cook and even the “quick and easy” steel cut outs seem to explode in my microwave and still have a gritty/uncooked texture.
Steel-cut has the SAME nutritional value as rolled oats

My go-to is Organic Quick Rolled Oats. I buy Meijer’s organic store brand True Goodness. The price difference is only $1.69 for the entire 18oz package. For the amount you get out of it I am happy to swap regular for organic.

Ready to go packets vs. Bulk: Bulk will be the cheapest, most bang for your buck choice and possibly less waste.

It is easy to have a measuring cup out when preparing oats in a bowl/plastic to-go container
TIP: Divide portions of oatmeal out in baggies along with various add-ins for an easy prep on busy mornings

Fruit (½ banana, berries, apples, mandarin oranges, mangos etc.)

The first and most obviously choice is fruit, a natural sweetner for oatmeal to make it easier to get the kids to eat it.No fruit is off limit but the ones above are my favorites. Dried fruit is somewhat a popular choice, however dried fruit contacts more sugar and so I recommend fresh or frozen fruit.
TIP: put fruit in half way through cooking, it will much up fruit and incorporate it into oatmeal more. I will also use frozen berries with this method (great for when berries are no longer in season)

Flax seed meal

Meal over the seed due to texture and allows body to easily digest the seed
Flax meal contains Omega-3, antioxidants, fiber, anti-inflammation components as well as various studies showing its fight against cancers, lowering cholesterol, and improving digestive health.

Almond meal

Some people, most notably children may not like the texture difference chopped nuts add to oatmeal…. Solution,almond meal! You can make your own or buy at the store (Trader Joe’s has a great product)
Almonds contain good fats, are high in Vitamin E, Biotin (B7), magnesium, copper and fiber.

Hemp seeds

Another add-in that incorporates well, doesn’t change textureand a way to “hide” nutrients to food.
Hemps seeds are easily digested, more allergy-free, contains Omega-3 fatty acids, is a complete protein, and a good source of iron and B vitamins.

Cinnamon

Nut Butter or Powder

Peanut, almond, cashew you cannot go wrong and a lot of it is out of preference. For all nut butters I choose base onthe ingredient list, the less the better. My go to is Smucker’s Organic Natural Peanut Butter. You do need to stir it at first but well worth it as it only has 2 ingredients, peanuts and less than 1% salt.
If you want to decrease the fat content, go for a powder.

Chia Seed

Did you know Chia means “strength?” This makes sense, as these little black balls are full of energy and health. Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, calcium, fiber, and protein.
They do add some texture to oatmeal
TIP: make overnight oats with chia seeds, absolutely delicious make-ahead the night before to an easy to-go breakfast option. (Recipe: In a glass mason jar add 1/4c oats, 1 tbs chia seed, ½ scoop protein powder, 1/2 cup liquid + any other add-ins cover and refrigerate overnight)