Oats: A Healthy and Delicious Go-To Breakfast

By Molly Carriero

I used to hear the word “oatmeal” and think of a flavorless gunk made for old people. Literally. However, I have recently discovered how delicious, fun, and nutritious this classic breakfast really is.  

What makes those plain oats so healthy for you? Oats are a whole grain, complex carbohydrate known for their high soluble fiber content. Soluble fiber is known to slow digestion and increase feelings of satiety, which could help to maintain a healthy weight. Oats lower cholesterol levels, promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut, and promote good digestion. They are a terrific source of manganese, which is essential for bones, skin health, blood sugar control, and protecting against cell damage. Oatmeal is also a source of plant-based protein and a source of antioxidants. Oats can even help prevent conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and digestive disorders. It really is magic in a bowl!

There are so many ways to spice up your bowl with fun flavor combinations. My personal favorite is pretty simple and easy—cooked oats with a dash of cinnamon, a mashed banana, a scoop of peanut butter, and blueberries. If you like peanut butter-banana combinations, I swear by it!

Another great variation to oatmeal is overnight oats, a cold version of the classic hot bowl. Overnight oats are great for meal prepping as well. Here’s one of my favorite overnight oat recipes:

You will need:

• 1/3 cup of rolled oats

• 6 tablespoons of fresh apple juice

• 1 ounce dried fruit, chopped

• 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt

• 1 apple, chopped

• 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts

• 1 teaspoon of maple syrup

Place the oats in the bottom of a small cup, bowl, or jar. Add the apple juice and the dried fruit and mix to combine. Leave for a minimum of fifteen minutes, or overnight. Add the yogurt, chopped nuts, apple, and maple syrup. Then enjoy! 

Oatmeal is easy and inexpensive, and you can even make it from your dorm room. A 42 oz container of rolled oats is around $3 and will probably last you all semester. You can add as many or as few toppings or mix-ins as you want to match your preferences. Grab some berries from the mart on West or bananas from any dining hall. You can find plain yogurt in the Bartley Exchange or yogurt in the dining hall as well. They serve sun butter in the dining hall, and you can buy honey or peanut butter from the mart. Not to mention that Peet’s oatmeal from Holy Grounds is amazing as well for those looking to stick to their meal plan!

Next time you find yourself in a breakfast rut, whip up a bowl of oatmeal and add your favorite add-ins to the mix. Oats truly are an easy, inexpensive, versatile, and nutritious breakfast. I hope you love them as much as I do!