What is the healthiest way to cook oatmeal?

Stovetop: 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. Stir in 1/2 cup of oats and reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes.

eatingwell.com - The Right Way to Prepare Oatmeal and 5 Tips for Making It Better

What causes a sluggish colon?

Delayed or slower bowel movements can be caused by a lack of fiber in your diet. A diet that emphasizes natural, unprocessed fruit and vegetables...

Last updated Mar 7, 2018

How does beets affect the brain?

May support brain health The nitrates in beets may improve brain function by promoting the dilation of blood vessels and thus increasing blood flow...

Last updated May 22, 2022

Fizzy juice “eats through” 59lbs of stubborn fat

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

Learn More »

Promotion

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:

Which juice is best for reducing belly fat?

According to these nutrition pros, the number one juice to shrink belly fat is pomegranate juice. Mar 11, 2022

Last updated Jan 8, 2019

Can an obese person lose 5 pounds a week?

Key Takeaways. Most very overweight or obese people can lose two to four pounds of fat per week without losing muscle mass. You'll be able to lose...

Last updated Dec 2, 2020

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 »

Promotion

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)

Should you drink honey water hot or cold?

warm water While it is usually recommended to take honey with warm water to aid digestion, it is completely fine to take it with cold water as...

Last updated Sep 1, 2019

Which coffee is best for flat tummy?

Black coffee Black coffee, according to research, has calories as low as 1 in one serving and can be a great beverage to include in your diet for...

Last updated Nov 12, 2021

Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

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

Learn More »

Promotion

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

eatingwell.com - The Right Way to Prepare Oatmeal and 5 Tips for Making It Better

Is 500mg of sodium per day enough?

The body needs only a small amount of sodium (less than 500 milligrams per day) to function properly. That's a mere smidgen — the amount in less...

Last updated Mar 27, 2020

Which juice is good for fat burning?

Amla-curry-leaves juice, green juice, ABC juice, and carrot-apple juice are some of the best juices for weight loss. Combined with a healthy and...

Last updated Oct 11, 2021

Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

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

Learn More »

Promotion

Why is cucumber and pineapple smoothie for weight loss?

Pineapple and cucumber provide 50 calories and 15 calories, respectively, per 100 g. If your diet has lots of calorie-dense foods, substituting...

Last updated Oct 10, 2019

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 »

Promotion

What does clear pee mean?

Clear urine indicates that you're drinking more than the daily recommended amount of water. While being hydrated is a good thing, drinking too much...

Last updated Nov 10, 2018