Oatmeal is boring. There, I said it. If you’re ready to break free from the breakfast blahs, we’ve got some oat ideas that make it a lot more exciting. Forget the mushy bowl routine—these ideas take oats to a whole new level and leave oatmeal looking like the dullest option out there.
Make Energy Balls
Oats are the secret weapon for energy balls! They’re loaded with fiber and mix perfectly with nuts, seeds, and whatever sweet stuff you love. Whether you need a quick snack or a pre-workout boost, these little bites will keep you going.
Try this Recipe: Energy Balls
Bake Up a Classic Cookie
Add oats to your cookies for that perfect chewy texture and a sneaky health upgrade. Whether you’re tossing in chocolate chips or raisins, oats take your cookies from good to totally irresistible.
Try this Recipe: Cookies
Blend Them Into Smoothies
Toss some oats into your smoothie for an instant upgrade. They thicken things up and pack in extra fiber, making your drink more filling and way more satisfying. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your morning or refuel after a workout.
Try this Recipe: Smoothie
Replace Breadcrumbs As a Binder
Ditch the breadcrumbs and go for oats in your meatloaf. They add great texture, a boost of fiber, and make your comfort food just a little bit better for you without losing any of that homestyle goodness.
Try this Recipe: The Best Meatloaf
Make a Tart Crust
Using oats as a crust for your tart is a game-changer. They add a crunchy texture and a hint of nuttiness that makes your pies and quiches stand out. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to add some extra fiber to your desserts.
Try this Recipe: Delicious Curd Tart
Use In a Streusel Topping
Next time you’re baking a pie or muffins, throw some oats on top as a streusel topping. They give a perfect crunchy texture that’s way better than just plain sugar. It’s an easy hack to make your treats a little healthier and a lot more fun to eat.
Try this Recipe: Microwave Apple Crisp
Bake Bread
Swap in some oats when you’re baking bread for an upgrade in texture and flavor. You’ll end up with a loaf that’s not only delicious but also packs a healthier punch with more fiber. Perfect for sandwiches or just enjoying with butter.
Try this Recipe: Homemade Oat Bread
Make Oat Milk
Making oat milk at home is super easy and way cheaper than buying it at the store. Plus, you get to control exactly what goes in, making it perfect for anyone looking to cut down on additives. It’s eco-friendly and great for your coffee, cereal, or just drinking straight up.
Try this Recipe: Homemade Oat Milk
Swap Steel Cut Oats for Rice in Risotto
Want to mix things up? Use steel-cut oats instead of rice for your next risotto. They give it a really nice, creamy texture that’s just as good—if not better—and it’s a fun way to make dinner a little more interesting.
Try this Recipe: Mushroom Leek Risotto
Pulse Into a Flour For Nuggets
Coat your chicken nuggets in a mixture of oats and sesame seeds for a crunchy outside without all the deep-fried guilt. It’s a total game-changer for making your favorite meal a bit healthier while keeping that satisfying crunch you love.
Replace Flour in Pancakes
Mix oats into your pancake batter for a breakfast that keeps you fuller longer. Plus, they add a slight nuttiness to your stack that’s just perfect for those lazy weekend mornings.
Try this Recipe: Oat Bran Pancakes
Use In Stuffed Peppers
Next time you’re making stuffed peppers, try using oats instead of rice. It’s a great way to mix things up and sneak in some extra nutrition. The texture is spot-on, and it makes a classic dish even more exciting.
Try this Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Bake a Batch of Granola
Making homemade granola with oats is where it’s at. You control the crunch, the sweetness, and all the mix-ins. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack and so much better than the store-bought stuff.
Try this Recipe: No-Nut Homemade Granola
15 Easy Ways To Add More Fiber To Your Diet
Tired of feeling sluggish and bloated? It’s time to fix your fiber game. Forget bland bran flakes; there are way better (and tastier) ways to get things moving. From popcorn to chia seeds, these hacks will have your gut thanking you. If you’r ready to shake up your diet and feel amazing, here are some fiber-packed tips that will change the way you eat.
Read it Here: 15 Easy Ways To Add More Fiber To Your Diet
12 “Healthy” Breakfasts That Are Worse Than Donuts
Ever feel like you’re winning at breakfast only to crash by mid-morning? Turns out, some of those “healthy” breakfast options might be the culprits. Before you pat yourself on the back for skipping the donut, take a closer look at what’s really going on with your morning meal. You might be surprised to find out that some of these seemingly virtuous choices are hiding more sugar and calories than you’d expect.
Read it Here: 12 “Healthy” Breakfasts That Are Worse Than Donuts
Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
