Are you looking for a healthy snack to eat any time of day? Have you considered oatmeal? Oatmeal is actually very nutrient dense. Oats can help reduce your risk of heart disease, they can help regulate blood sugar, and even keep the weight off.

“Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth.” They contain: iron, phosphorous, zinc, folate, protein, vitamin B5, vitamin B1, magnesium,  soluble and insoluble fiber, and manganese. Soluble fiber works to lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar. While, insoluble fiber is great for promoting a healthy digestive system. Fiber also helps you stay full for longer, reducing your risk of overindulging.

But, being healthy isn’t the only perk. They are also budget-friendly and delicious! Although, at first sight, plain oats may seem a bit bland, that “bland beginning” can make for an excellent start. It allows you to be creative and make new flavors and give it new dimensions. You can try adding nuts, seeds, fruits, almond butter, granola, brown sugar, chocolate, syrups, honey, and/or cinnamon to it. Oats are also excellent in muffins, cookies, yogurt, and granola bars.

When choosing what oats to work with, you’ll want to be aware of the different types. In whole form they are called oat groats, but the cook time is much longer. Oats also come in steel cut, large rolled, rolled, and instant. Steel cut (or pinhead oats) are more coarse than rolled or instant. The whole oats are cut with steel, giving them their name. These will take longer to cook than rolled or instant. Rolled oats are softened, steamed, and flattened with a roller. While jumbo rolled are just larger in size. If you want the quickest form, choose instant; however, this will be the “mushiest” option. Each presents a different texture for you to choose from.

Are you ready to give oats a try? Start making your own creations, or try some of ours:

1. Autumn Morning’s Oatmeal

2. Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies