Oatmeal Three Ways

The Paleo world has really taken a stab at a lot of foods. I was speaking with a friend the other day who tried to tell me that oatmeal is off her list. She doesn't eat oatmeal. Okay, fine. But why? All she could tell me was oatmeal wasn't paleo; oatmeal was a toxic substance.

Oh jeepers. Okay. While I am not a fan of toxic substances, namely boxed foods, processed sugars and the like, I love oatmeal.

Oatmeal is loaded with manganese, copper, magnesium, fiber, and molybdenum. Among other things. Also, a study published in The Journal of Nutrition showed that oatmeal contains avenanthramides, a unique set of antioxidants known to lower LDL. And a study in Surgery demonstrated that oatmeal provided a long-term enhancement of the immune system.

I researched the paleo world's opinion of oatmeal and here is what I found:

• A claim that oats exacerbate the digestive system.
• It contains phytates, mineral-binding devils that prevent absorption.

Most websites I scoured listed those two reasons. And while I know there are some folks who cannot tolerate oatmeal (purine-sensitive folks), I do not think we should eliminate a food source so quickly.

Traci Watson of The National Geographic reported in 2015 that Paleo advocates may have oats all wrong.  Recent evidence shows that humans of the Paleolithic Era consumed starch. They consumed it in small quantities just the way it should be consumed.

Now, if you are buying highly processed packages of instant oatmeal filled with "fruit and cream," then you aren't exactly eating oatmeal are you? Instant oatmeal packages, especially the flavored ones have anywhere between 9 and 16 grams of sugar! The best oatmeal is made from steel cut or old-fashioned oats that have been minimally processed.

Because I think a serving of oatmeal a few times per week isn't going to kill you, here are three simple, warm oatmeal recipes to make for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

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Overnight Vanilla Protein Oatmeal
What's a better breakfast than a breakfast that gets made the night before?

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup soy milk
• 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 banana, cut
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1. Place all of the ingredients in a jar and leave in the fridge overnight.
2. You can eat it in the morning cold or dump it in a pot and heat it up.

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Peanut Butter & "Jelly" Oatmeal
Do you love PB&Js? We do. And we think this protein-packed bowl of oatmeal is a beautiful way to celebrate the classic. 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup berries, preferable raspberries
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 2 tbsp peanut butter

Directions:​

1. In a small pan, heat the berries over medium heat. Stir and smash the berries with a fork.
2. Add oats, water, protein powder, and peanut butter.
3. Continue to cook until the oats are cooked to the desired consistency.
4. Stir and top with peanut butter. Add more berries if want.

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Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
This cinnamon roll oatmeal happily replaces that Cinnabon you used to eat before embarking on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. Kids love this. Adults love this. And it is so beautiful that you could serve it to guests at a BNB.

Of course, if you're feeling less than lazy, forget about decorating the oatmeal with the cinnamon-vanilla paste and just swirl it in.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 tsp + 1/8 tsp vanilla extract, divided
• 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 4-5 tsp water, 
• 1 tbsp Reduced-fat Cream cheese, softened 

Directions:

1. In a small pot, add the oats.
2. Add the water and 1/4 tsp of the vanilla extract and bring to boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the oats are thick, stirring frequently. 
4. Take the oatmeal off the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
5. While the oatmeal cools, combine the protein powder and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add in the water, 1 tsp at a time and stir to create a thick, spreadable, paste.Set aside.
6. In another small bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, and remaining 1/8 tsp of vanilla extract. Add the cinnamon mixture and the cream cheese into the oatmeal and swirl around.
7. Eat.