Are you the shopper, who buys groceries and never eats all of the things you buy? Food, unfortunately, goes beyond the expiration date because they get lost in the cupboards.
My kitchen cupboards have become prisons for unwanted purchases. So I decided to eat what I have spent good money on.
I found two huge bags of oats that I was hoping my family would eat, but none of them seemed to want to eat oats every day. Two bags! Yip, I bought it on promotion. What was I thinking? I realize now that I wasn’t thinking at all.
So, for the past month, I have been eating oats for breakfast. I haven’t experimented much with recipes, as I work full time and I only have had enough time to boil it.
However, my taste buds are beginning to feel bored, so I have made an effort to make my oatmeal interesting. I have also found old recipe ideas that remind me of my childhood.
What is the oatmeal challenge?
Well, besides not wanting to throw out, good oats and trying to prevent a waste of money. I decided to go on an oatmeal challenge!
if I was going to eat oats every day for breakfast, I needed to know the health benefits. So I turned to research and discovered some interesting facts.
Did you know that eating oats every day could change your life?
Read on!
Whats are the benefits of eating oatmeal every day.
- The fiber in oats will help you feel satisfied throughout the day. Your moods will improve and you will start to lose unwanted cravings.
- Oatmeal is super rich in nutrients.
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Less risk of cardiovascular disease
- Lowers risk of heart failure
- Improved immune response
- Stabilize blood sugar and reduce risk of type 2 diabetes
- Excellent source of fiber which protects against breast cancer
- Whole grains protect against childhood asthma
- Safe grain alternative for celiac disease sufferers or those who are avoiding gluten in their diets- Make sure it says Gluten-free on the package. Most oats are produced in factories where there is cross-contamination.
Did you know there are different types of oats?
Instant oats
Also known as quick oats, instant oats cook so well & instantly. These oats are precooked, dried, rolled and pressed to form thin flakes.
Rolled oats
Similar to instant oats in terms of processing, Rolled oats are classic old-fashioned oats. They are steamed and pressed, however not precooked. They usually need a longer time to cook and have a thicker texture.
Steel-cut oats
Steel-cut oats are created by cutting the oat groat into tiny pieces. These oats have a very chewy texture. They go under minimal processing and are not teamed or flattened due to which they take the longest to cook.
Tip- Cooking your oats will reduce the amount of resistant starch that they contain. So avoid raw oats and opt for the cooked versions.
Eating oats if you suffer from Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
I am not an expert in IBS, but if you planning to consume any foods, it’s always better to consult with a professional before you do. While oats do have many health benefits, it can trigger IBS. When buying oats, always read the packaging and if possible consider organic oats.
Is eating Oats okay if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance?
I am a parent of a celiac patient, and I am planning to introduce oats into his diet. I have read several articles that indicate that eating gluten-free oats is okay, but you have to be very cautious of cross-contamination and stop eating oats if you experience unpleasant symptoms.
Trying to lose weight or stop unwanted cravings?
Challenge yourself and eat oats every day for thirty days!
Oats for breakfast
Creamy style oats
The simplest and most convenient way to eat oats is to boil it.
I prefer adding cinnamon powder for flavor.
Add coconut milk and top it with your favorite fruits and nuts.
Tip– Instead of sugar, sweeten your porridge with honey or maple syrup.
There are many creative and fun ways to eat a healthy oatmeal breakfast. I encourage you to seek a recipe on Google and Youtube.
Oats for Lunch /Dinner
Haleem Soup
Yes, we can have oats for lunch or dinner. Oats can be consumed in many different ways. Don’t limit your taste buds.
I remember cold winter days in South Africa when mum would prepare a hearty pot of Haleem soup.
Haleem soup consists of chicken and can be consumed as a full meal with delicious warm bread and a slice of lemon.
Haleem is not a well-known soup but amongst Indian people, it is very popular. South African people are known as the rainbow nation because we have inherited a lot of recipes from past generations like India, Malaysia, and Europe and have adapted them to the African continent.
I found a delicious recipe on https://recipesaresimple.com/chicken-oats-haleem-stewed-shredded-chicken-oats/ and recommend it. You might enjoy this soup and impress your guests.
Oats and Chicken Harees
Arabs love serving a plateful of Harees, whether a family gathering, wedding or Eid celebration, this popular dish has to be included in the buffet of dishes.
A simple and easy recipe can be found on https://cookpad.com/ke/recipes/5403968-oats-and-chicken-harees-daleem
Oats for Dessert
Oatmeal cookies
I love eating a crunchy cookie with a hot cup of tea after a good meal. I love eating food, so I might as well make sure that I include healthy sweet treats once in a while. Oatmeal cookies are good as a snack or teat. Why not click on the link https://www.quakeroats.com/cooking-and-recipes/quakers-best-oatmeal-cookies and try the many oatmeal recipe options from Quaker oats.
Stay healthy & plan your meals!
Maintaining your weight, trying not to overeat and watching your calories can be a lot of work and stress. We all have cravings and sometimes will power runs away and leaves us picking up that chocolate bar, cupcake, and bag of chips, etc. After we have indulged guilt is very quick to sit next to us and remind us that we have no will power.
This might be your episode of what happens when you try your best to eat the right food and keep to portion sizes.
If this is the case then rest assured that eating oatmeal daily can help you with those cravings and leave you feeling empowered.
I have eaten oatmeal every day for thirty days and my appetite has changed.
Challenge yourself and eat healthily!!
Superlady!
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