Smoothy Slim
Photo by Nyau Mimi Pexels Logo Photo: Nyau Mimi

How much water should you drink with oatmeal?

Mind the Liquid-to-Oat Ratio For steel-cut oats, the ratio is 1 cup of liquid per 1/4 cup of oats. If you are using quick-cooking or rolled oats, the ratio is 1 cup of liquid per 1/2 cup of oats.

Do beets affect pee?
Do beets affect pee?

Beets can cause beeturia, which is when urine turns red or pink. According to one study, this condition affects about 14 percent of the population....

Read More »
How can I check my heart for blockage at home?
How can I check my heart for blockage at home?

Official answer. You can check for heart disease at home by measuring your pulse rate and your blood pressure if you have a blood pressure monitor....

Read More »
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

The Right Way to Prepare Oatmeal and 5 Tips for Making It Better Oatmeal is a satisfying, healthy morning meal. It's a whole grain—something that most Americans don't eat often enough. It is high in soluble fiber, which may help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol, and has 26 grams of protein per 1 cup serving, which will help you feel satisfied until lunch. Plus, it's a low-glycemic-index (GI) food, with research suggests eating a low-GI meal before you exercise may help you burn more fat. No matter what type of oats you choose, quick oats, steel-cut and rolled oats are equally nutritious. Top it with your favorite fruit to add more fiber and nuts for extra crunch and filling healthy fats. Here are cooking methods for the most common types of oatmeal. Use these instructions to prepare one serving of oatmeal, or follow package directions. One serving of each type of oatmeal below is about 150 calories (prepared with water) and 4 grams of fiber.

How to Make Oatmeal with Quick-Cooking Oats

Quick-Cooking Oats

Quick-cooking oats, or quick oats, have been precooked, then dried and rolled. As the name suggests, they have a short cooking time—they are sometimes labeled "instant oats" or "instant oatmeal."

Stove top:

1. Bring 1 cup of milk or water and a pinch of salt (if desired) to a boil in a small saucepan. 2. Stir in 1/2 cup of oats and reduce heat to medium; cook for 1 minute. 3. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes.

Microwave:

1. Combine 1 cup of water (or nonfat or low-fat milk), 1/2 cup of oats and a pinch of salt (if desired) in a 2-cup microwavable bowl.

2. Microwave on High for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.

3. Stir before serving.

How to Make Oatmeal with Old-Fashioned Oats

Old-Fashioned Oatmeal

Old-fashioned oats have been steamed and then rolled. They are sometimes labeled "rolled oats." For creamy oatmeal, use milk.

Stovetop:

1. Bring 1 cup of water (or nonfat or low-fat milk) and a pinch of salt (if desired) to a boil in a small saucepan. 2. Stir in 1/2 cup of oats and reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. 3. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes.

Microwave:

What happens if you fast 7 days?
What happens if you fast 7 days?

There are many potential side effects to a 7-Day Water Fast, including rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and fatigue. The two most severe side effects...

Read More »
Is beet juice hard on your liver?
Is beet juice hard on your liver?

Beetroot juice has traditionally been used as a remedy to activate liver enzymes and increase bile, which helps the liver's detox function. For...

Read More »
Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?
Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?

Made into a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favorite beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

1. Combine 1 cup of water (or nonfat or low-fat milk), 1/2 cup of oats and a pinch of salt (if desired) in a 2-cup microwavable bowl.

2. Microwave on High for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.

3. Stir before serving.

How to Make Oatmeal with Steel-Cut Oats

Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Steel-cut oats are toasted and cut into oat groats—the oat kernel that has been removed from the husk. It's not difficult to cook steel-cut oats, but they do take a little bit more time. They are sometimes labeled "Irish oatmeal."

Stove top:

1. Bring 1 cup of water or milk and a pinch of salt (if desired) to a boil in a small saucepan. 2. Stir in 1/4 cup of oats and reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats are the desired texture, 20 to 30 minutes.

Oatmeal Topping Ideas

Chocolate Banana Oatmeal

Add-ins make any oatmeal better-tasting, but they also make it more nutritious. Topping oatmeal with your favorite fruit boosts the fiber. Adding unsalted nuts also offers healthy fats and makes your breakfast more filling.

Fruit:

Dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, cherries or chopped apricots or dates)

Fresh or frozen berries

Applesauce

Jam or preserves

Chopped or sliced fresh fruit (such as bananas or apples)

Nuts or seeds:

Almonds, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, peanuts or peanut butter

Sesame seeds, ground flaxseeds or chia seeds

Sweeteners:

Maple syrup

Brown sugar

Honey

Spices:

Sprinkle a hint of your favorite spice to boost the flavor and aroma of your oatmeal. Plus, spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger can give an antioxidant boost.

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Ginger

Cardamom

Dairy alternative:

5 Tips for Your Best-Yet Bowl of Oatmeal

Creamy Blueberry-Pecan Oatmeal

1. Use Steel-Cut Oats

Yes, they take much longer to cook than quick-cooking oats or old-fashioned "rolled oats," but they're worth it. The texture of steel-cut oatmeal is simultaneously delicious, creamy and chewy.

2. Avoid Instant Oatmeals

Most instant oatmeal packets have added sugars. Too much added sugar can lead to negative health outcomes, like weight gain and increased inflammation. Making your own oatmeal can help you control the amount of added sugar in your breakfast while still enjoying the flavors you like.

3. Mind the Liquid-to-Oat Ratio

Read the instructions on the side of your oatmeal container and do what they say to avoid a pasty, sticky mess or a soupy mush. For steel-cut oats, the ratio is 1 cup of liquid per 1/4 cup of oats. If you are using quick-cooking or rolled oats, the ratio is 1 cup of liquid per 1/2 cup of oats.

4. Think Beyond Water (Use Milk, Plant-Based Milk Alternative or Juice)

Does V8 juice raise blood pressure?
Does V8 juice raise blood pressure?

Excess Sodium May Worsen Hypertension Too much dietary sodium can play a role in the development or worsening of high blood pressure, or...

Read More »
How do you know if your body is toxic?
How do you know if your body is toxic?

Some signs that your body has a toxin buildup include: Brain fog. Hair loss. Fatigue. Brittle toenails. Bad breath. Nausea. Weight gain.

Read More »
7-second natural hack eats through 64lbs of belly flab
7-second natural hack eats through 64lbs of belly flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

For a boost of calcium and creamy flavor, make oatmeal with low-fat milk or plant-based milk instead of water. Or, try making it with apple cider instead for a boost of flavor. The ratio of liquid to oats stays the same, so you can easily make this switch. Once you've tried oatmeal with a hit of flavor infused into the cooking, you'll never go back.

5. Make It Ahead

What's better than a delicious, comforting bowl of oatmeal in the morning? How about having it ready when you wake up! Make a big batch of steel-cut oats in your slow cooker on a Sunday and keep it in your fridge. Each morning, simply spoon up a serving's worth in a microwave-safe bowl, add a tablespoon or two of water and then microwave until hot (1 to 2 minutes). It's a simple, tasty way to have your favorite breakfast ready and waiting any day of the week. Or try making overnight oats: Mix equal parts old-fashioned oats (not quick-cooking) and water along with a pinch of salt in a jar, cover and refrigerate overnight for up to three days. In the morning, you can eat it cold or heat it up in the microwave. No matter whether you go with the mix-in or the cooking method, a bowl of oatmeal in the morning is a stick-to-your-ribs way to kick-start your day.

How to Store Your Oats

If a "Best if used by" or "Best by" date on the oats package is available, you can use the date to determine its freshness. You can also keep unprepared oats sealed in their original packaging or store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot in your pantry for up to 12 months before they go stale. Uncooked oats can also last in the freezer for one year.

Watch: How to Make Overnight Oatmeal 4 Ways

How to get slim in a month?
How to get slim in a month?

Here are 14 simple steps to drop 10 pounds in a single month. Try cardio for weight loss. ... Eat fewer refined carbs. ... Start counting calories....

Read More »
What is the best time to drink carrot juice?
What is the best time to drink carrot juice?

Carrots contain large amounts of soluble fibre which binds to cholesterol and then helps the body to excrete it as waste. So the best time to drink...

Read More »
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

Contains a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favored beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »
How do you get rid of inner thigh odor?
How do you get rid of inner thigh odor?

Things you can try at home: Wear underwear made of natural materials, such as cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics. Wear loose-fitting boxers. Shower...

Read More »
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
How many days do you need to detox your body?
How many days do you need to detox your body?

Most people find seven days is long enough, but if it feels good, there's nothing to say you can't continue detoxing for twenty or even thirty...

Read More »