Oats are truly such a versatile whole grain. With oatmeal alone, they can be cooked for a warm and cozy meal in a bowl, or chilled with mix-ins in jars for creamy overnight oats. With add-ins and toppings, they can make a flavorful and filling start to any day!
Here are some ideas for things to add to oatmeal to make it more nourishing and satisfying:
✨Protein. There are several options for turning oatmeal into a protein-rich meal, from mixing protein powder right into it, to topping it with nut butter and hemp seeds.
Adding protein to oatmeal helps to slow down the processing of the carbohydrates in it, which helps with keeping blood sugar stable, and keeping our bodies fueled and satisfied for longer!
✨Fat. This essential macronutrient also helps with keeping us fueled and satisfied for longer, and gives oatmeal extra creaminess for the ultimate texture! Some of my favorite sources are nut butter, tahini, and ground flaxseed!
✨Fruit. Berries, bananas, peaches, apples, and really any fruit of choice can make a delicious topping, or can be cooked into oatmeal for natural sweetness. Fresh or frozen fruits both work beautifully, and I am personally a huge fan of caramelized bananas!
Fruit adds vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber for nutrition, and flavor that can transform the oatmeal to suit your preferences on any given day!
✨Calcium-fortified non-dairy yogurt or milk. I love using fortified non-dairy milk as part of the cooking or soaking liquid for oats. Yogurt can make a lovely topping for cooked oats, or add-in to overnight oats!
✨Spices. Cinnamon is a classic choice, and other spices such as ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg can all make oatmeal extra cozy, with some antioxidants as well!
✨Texture. To complement oatmeal, I love adding crisp fruit, crunchy seeds, and creamy nut butter for just enough contrast!
What are some of your favorite oatmeal combinations?!
