Supermarket Swap – Oatmeal

Oatmeal Texas highway sign
One of my favorite cool-weather breakfasts is oatmeal.  Oatmeal doesn’t take long to cook, and you can add an endless combination of toppings to keep it from getting boring (more on that tomorrow).

But with so many options to choose from at the grocery store, what kind should you buy?
Basically, you will get 3-5 grams of fiber per serving whether you are choosing instant, quick-cooking, steel-cut or rolled oats.  The differences are cooking time and texture of the cereal.  If you have very limited time in the morning, you might want to go with instant.  If you have more time, you might enjoy the texture and heartiness of rolled oats (my favorite).  
Quaker Instant Oatmeal - Original

No matter what kind you choose, I suggest that you buy the plain version and add your own flavors and toppings.  The pre-packaged flavored varieties add a considerable amount of sugar, sodium and many times artificial flavorings  (Quaker’s Strawberries & Cream variety has 12 grams of sugar per serving, partially-hydrogenated oil and food dye).
Oatmeal is a healthy and filling way to start your day.  Check back tomorrow for ideas on how to jazz it up!   
  • Vicki October 13, 2010 at 8:46 pm

    We're eating Old Fashioned now. I need to get to the health food store and get some steel cut. I've heard from many sources they're the best for you.

  • Alysa October 13, 2010 at 10:09 pm

    My favorite is the extra thick rolled oats. From what I understand, the steel cut oats are just cut differently, but have same nutritional value as old fashioned (and they take longer to cook).

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