Everyone knows that waking up in the morning is so much better when you have something to look forward to. For me, breakfast is what gets me out of bed in the morning, even on those mornings when I wake up exhausted or my bed just feels extra cozy.
Your breakfast sets the tone for the day out in front of you and provides you with the energy you need to conquer the day. A common breakfast routine amongst those with busy lives is to simply grab a granola bar or a piece of fruit before heading out the door, which is, of course, better than nothing; however, taking a moment to throw together a nutritious meal will jumpstart your metabolism and allow you to concentrate and perform tasks more efficiently. Oatmeal -a simple, yet delicious breakfast- can truly make a difference in your health, and the quality of your day.
It wasn't until recently that I started incorporating oatmeal into my breakfast rotations. There are several foods that as a kid we despise, but as we grow older, we learn to love. For me, oatmeal was one of these foods. I had always thought of oatmeal as bland and lifeless, but once I retried it, my opinion was reformed and my life changed for the better.
Just like a homemade grilled cheese, or any other comfort food, there is no issue that oatmeal cannot solve. Just failed a test? Have a bowl of oatmeal. Feeling emotionally stressed? Oatmeal will make it better. Besides being tasty and filling enough to leave you satisfied, who knew that comfort food could be one of the healthiest things you can eat?
Although oatmeal is not a low-carb food, this whole grain has a number of health benefits which makes it an excellent choice for the most important meal of the day. For one, it's filled with fiber which keeps you feeling full, preventing you from excess snacking during the day. I've noticed that after eating oatmeal in the morning, I could still go longer without eating when lunch-time comes around. This is because oatmeal contains beta-glucan, a soluble fiber which not only reduces your hunger but can also aid in improving glucose and cholesterol levels, according to Healthline.
You get the majority of your vitamins from the food you consume, which is why it is essential to make sure you are eating balanced meals containing all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs. Oatmeal is nutrient-dense, containing vitamin B, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Along with these nutrients, there are a number of antioxidants present as well, which ward off free radicals, essentially protecting your cells. This provides a variety of functions, ranging from reducing inflammation to aiding in weight loss.
What I love most about oats is its versatility. You can make it in so many ways whether that's baked, overnight, instant, or my personal favorite- stovetop. If you ever get tired of classic oatmeal you can change it up a bit and cook it with berries for a mixed berry flavor, or you even substitute something like cold brew for the milk to get that caffeine in. The possibilities are endless.
I love starting my morning with something that is delicious and good for my body, and this oats recipe falls into both of these categories. The way I make it is simple: combine half a cup of water, milk, oats, one mashed banana, a handful of chia seeds, and a pinch of cinnamon. Then heat over medium-high while stirring and add your favorite toppings.
