Getting out of bed during a bone-chilling winter morning might seem formidable, but a warm start to your day could make it worth your while. How about starting off with a hot meal comprising coffee, or tea, oozing pancakes, and a bowl of oatmeal? But how healthy and nutrition-rich is your oatmeal? Well, here’s how to whip up the most nourishing bowl of oats.

According to Jamie Nadeau, a registered dietitian, the healthiest oatmeal is not about the kind of oats used, but rather about their preparation. Whether steel-cut, rolled, or instant oats, they all bear similar nutritional value with differences in texture due to varied cooking durations. Nadeau highlights that oatmeal packs more than 10 grams of protein per serving. However, embellishing it with additional protein, fiber, and other nutrients will extend your feeling of fullness.

Nadeau emphasizes that oatmeal is commendable for its nutritious offerings that contribute to a balanced meal. Areas to concentrate on include the base (preferably milk instead of water for added protein and creaminess), protein sources (like Greek yogurt and peanut butter), and health-boosting toppings. Fresh fruits, coupled with fats like nuts, are perfect toppings to add fiber, vitamins, and protein.

While instant oats are nutritionally alike to other oats, Nadeau warns about the copious amounts of sugar used to counteract the blandness of oatmeal. Consuming overtly sweetened packets of instant oats makes it hard to control your sugar intake, which can exceed the recommended daily limit.

Instead, opt for plain instant oats that you can sweeten to your taste. Oatmeal, enriched with protein, fiber, iron, folate, copper, zinc, and B vitamins, is a health-sized choice. Nadeau believes it’s a fallow food, nutrition-wise. Oatmeal also includes beta-glucan, a soluble fiber instrumental in reducing blood cholesterol levels and minimising sudden spikes in blood glucose levels post-meal, rendering it suitable for diabetics.

Keen on revving up your oatmeal intake? Consider some creative recipes that spice up your regular oatmeal staple. The secret to a healthy and robust start to your day lies in threading the needle right with your oatmeal!