Adding Oatmeal To Your Diet

• Over 40 studies show that eating oatmeal may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. According to Quaker, all it takes is 3/4 cup of oatmeal each day to help lower cholesterol. The soluble fiber in oats helps remove LDL or "bad" cholesterol, while maintaining the good cholesterol that your body needs. In January 1997, the Food and Drug Administration announced that oatmeal could carry a label claiming it may reduce the risk of heart disease when combined with a low-fat diet.

• The soluble fiber in oatmeal absorbs a considerable amount of water which significantly slows down your digestive process. This result is that you'll feel full longer, i.e. oatmeal can help you control your weight.

• You probably already have oats in your kitchen. It's estimated that eighty percent of U.S. households currently have oats in their cupboards.

• New research suggests that eating oatmeal may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. In fact, the American Diabetes Association already recommends that people with diabetes eat grains like oats. The soluble fiber in these foods help to control blood glucose levels.

• With the exception of certain flavored varieties, the oats found in your grocery store are 100% natural. If you look at the ingredients on a canister of rolled oats, you will usually see only one ingredient - rolled oats.

• According to recent studies, a diet that includes oatmeal may help reduce high blood pressure. The reduction is linked to the increase in soluble fiber provided by oatmeal. Oats contain more soluble fiber than whole wheat, rice or corn.

• Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates and iron.

• The fiber and other nutrients found in oatmeal may actually reduce the risk for certain cancers.

• Oatmeal is quick and convenient. Every type of oatmeal can be prepared in a microwave oven. Even when cooked on the stovetop, both old-fashioned and quick oats can usually be made in less than 10 minutes. And what about instant oatmeal… a hot breakfast in under a minute... incredible! :)

• Oatmeal can be absolutely delicious! Whether instant, cooked on the stove or baked in the oven, the combination of flavors you can fit into a serving of oatmeal is limited only by the imagination.

Tired of BORING oatmeal like this?

 Here are some easy suggestions to add some flavor and/or texture to your oats!

1. Add fresh or frozen fruit. Sliced bananas are particularly good. A little fistful of frozen blueberries not only add flavor to instant oatmeal, but your mouth will marvel over the inviting temperature / texture differential when you bite into each little berry.

2. Add dried fruit such as raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, dates or sweetened shredded coconut.

3. Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds. Finely chopped nuts can create a tasty crumbled topping.

4. Add a tablespoon or two of your favorite granola. Mushy boring oatmeal is yesterday's business. Today you can easily add a delightful crunch to any bowl of oatmeal.

5. Add a dribble of pure delicious maple syrup.

6. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Never be afraid of more flavor!

7. Add a little dollop of yogurt. Flavored yogurts add taste and all yogurts add a smooth creamy texture.

8. Crush a little handful of your favorite dry breakfast cereal onto your oatmeal. Cap'n Crunch oatmeal anyone?

9. Stir in a couple teaspoons of your jam or fruit preserves and turn your oatmeal into a fruity fiesta bowl.

10. Add a single tablespoon of ice cream to your oatmeal. Your mouth will go crazy with pleasure as the cool ice cream mingles with the warm oats.