The Best Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal {healthy recipe} • Fit Mitten Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest way to make oatmeal? ›

First, start with your base. Nadeau recommends milk instead of water because it adds protein and makes the oatmeal creamier. Next, look to protein. Try Greek yogurt, which has about 13 grams of protein per cup or peanut butter, which also packs in fiber and healthy fats.

The difference between baked oatmeal and baked oats is all in the texture. And getting that cake-like texture comes from adding the egg, but also blending the ingredients well.

Finally, being on a weight loss journey doesn't mean your food has to be bland—and enjoying oatmeal doesn't mean only eating oats. "Using the cooked oatmeal as a base, you can create your bowl by incorporating various add-ins like egg, avocado, cheese, vegetables, and spices of your choice," says Nikolakopoulos.

Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect. As a breakfast food and mid-meal snack, oatmeal is potentially a better option than the majority of foods available in the market.

If you need to add a sweetener besides fresh fruit, opt for a natural one like maple syrup or honey. They're still high in sugar and calories, but at least they come with the benefit of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

It's satisfying, and a steaming bowl of baked oatmeal adds a touch of comfort to the start of the day. It's also full of fiber and protein, making it a healthy breakfast option. Baked oatmeal is a great blank canvas that you can jazz up with any number of add-ins.

Eating oatmeal regularly can have weight management benefits as a half-cup of rolled oats cooked in a cup of water has 165 calories, 4 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. The fiber and protein content contribute to feeling full longer and a slower blood glucose release.

Soaking the oats overnight reduces the phytic acid content present in the oats better than cooking them. Phytic acid is an antioxidant naturally present in grains, legumes, tubers and certain vegetables.

High-sugar toppings like chocolate, syrup, and dried fruit

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

Can oatmeal reduce belly fat? ›

5. A Bowl of Oatmeal May Help Reduce Belly Fat. Another win for oatmeal's soluble fiber: It may help reduce visceral fat, the type of fat in your midsection that hugs your organs and raises your risk of heart disease and stroke — even if your body mass index is deemed normal, notes the AHA.

While oatmeal can't target specific areas like belly fat for weight loss, its high content of fiber and complex carbohydrates may keep you full for longer. This might support overall weight loss.

Steel-Cut Oats

Dietitians Say: These are your best bet if you're seeking the healthiest option. Steel-cut oats are processed the least of the three oat varieties, which means they're the most beneficial for blood sugar control.

The bottom line. When prepared properly, oatmeal can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet. Be sure to only feed dogs cooked oatmeal and opt for plain varieties prepared with water instead of milk. You should also increase their intake gradually to assess your dog's tolerance.

Milk not only gives your oats a creamy and slightly sweet taste but it also packs in extra nutrients like calcium and protein, making your breakfast even healthier.

Is it better to eat cooked or raw oats? Cooked oats might be easier to digest for some, as cooking helps break down the starch they contain. However, neither way to eat oats is better or worse. How you choose to eat them—either raw or cooked—comes down to personal preference.

Studies suggest that cooking oatmeal in a microwave may be better than boiling them over a stove. The microwave cooks food faster. Hence, the nutrient loss may be lower due to shortened cooking time than boiling or cooking over a stove.

Simple tip #1: Make oatmeal with milk (or a non-dairy alternative) versus water. Not only does oatmeal made with water taste way less delicious, but you're also missing out on the extra protein staying power that milk will add to the breakfast. Water will also make the oats more gummy instead of creamy.