Quick CONFESSION: For years, I avoided quick-cooking oatmeal because I had it in my head that it is less nutritious. There's a TINY bit of truth to this, I guess, because quick-cooking oats have had a little bit of additional processing (steaming) that makes them easier for us to cook at home. Rolled oats usually have a little more of their fiber and other plant-compounds in tact, and steel cut oats even more.
So, in the name of better health, I'd only buy steel cut or rolled oats... and then avoid cooking them in the morning! I'm not sure what it is, but I don't enjoy cooking oatmeal (dirtying a pot, all that stirring??) in the morning. So I'd buy my "healthier" oats...and then leave them in the cupboard.
As the weather began to get cooler, I was looking more for hot and cozy breakfasts. Obviously oatmeal came back to mind, but I knew that in order to eat it on a regular basis, I'd need to make it more convenient, or it just simply wouldn't happen.
Leads me to CONFESSION #2: I bought them at Dollar Tree.
I literally stumbled upon quick-cook oats while I was browsing fall decorations, put them in my cart on a whim (because $1) and brought them home. The first time I tried them, I *gasp* PUT THEM IN THE MICROWAVE. Water, oats, and cinnamon in the microwave, topped with some peanut butter. And the result? Delicious and filling!
Why am I telling you this? Because for so long I avoided something because I thought it was a less nutritious option. I see this all the time with other convenience foods, too:
eating fewer vegetables since fresh is best, but they take too long to prep
eating less fruit because it's not in season or organic
avoiding canned/jarred tomatoes, sauce, etc
what else can you think of?
Quick cooking oats are giving me a quick, satisfying, nutritious breakfast that gives me energy for the morning, without any thought or prep. That's a total win in my book; it's a perfect example of, "It doesn't need to be complicated to be effective!"
Today's Oatmeal:
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 scoop (1/2 serving) KOS chocolate plant-based protein powder
1 1/2 cups water
Stir together
Microwave 2 minutes
Stir again
Enjoy :) and drink lots of water!
Nutrition Info (if that's something you enjoy): 330 cal, 13g fat, 38g carb, 10g fiber, 18g protein *healthy fats, fiber-rich carbs, & protein help to keep you satisfied & energized!*