!!!Who doesn’t love Some additions to a bowl of oatmeal are best !!!oatmeal? This when cooked right in there with the oats. !!!fantastic whole grain Consider adding... !!!is packed with fiber, • A handful of raisins, dried cranberries, protein, and other nutrients, and it makes a cherries, blueberries, or any other dried truly phenomenal breakfast. Choosing berries. oatmeal instead of a fast food breakfast • Chopped dried fruit like apricots or dates. sandwich or a breakfast pastry will cut about Step Two: Cook 20 grams of fat and over 5 teaspoons of There are two ways to prepare oatmeal -- on sugar per day. Plus, it has about 300 fewer the stove or in the microwave. Here are calories than either of those less healthful instructions for either method. options. Not totally sure how to prepare this • To make rolled oats on the stove, heat the delicious treat? Check out our tips for crafting water until boiling, add the oats, reduce to the best bowl of oatmeal. a simmer and cook until oatmeal is thick, !!! about 15 minutes. Easy as 1-2-3! • To make rolled oats in the microwave, 1. Measure your ingredients. combine your oats and water and then 2. Cook the oatmeal. microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, until 3. Add your toppings and enjoy! oatmeal is thick. Let stand for a minute or two, then stir and serve. Step One: Measure • To make steel cut oats on the stove, A plain bowl of oatmeal is made up of oats follow the stovetop instructions for rolled and water. That’s it! However, there are a few oats (above), but cook for 25-35 minutes. different oat options in the market today. • To make steel cut oats in the microwave, • Rolled oats -- These are what most combine oats and water in a large people consider regular oatmeal. Rolled microwave-safe container and cook for 10 oats are exactly that: oats that have been minutes, stirring halfway through. Let rest rolled flat. and then serve! • Steel cut oats -- These oats take much Step Three: Top! longer to cook but have a nutty, robust There are tons of tasty ways to top your flavor. Instead of being flattened like oatmeal without adding a lot of sugar or salt. rolled oats, these oats are sliced into Try some of these suggestions, or create small pieces. your own healthful options! • Instant oatmeal -- Instant oatmeal is often • Top cooked oatmeal and dried fruit with a chock full of sodium and odd chemicals or bit of lemon juice and zest. additives. For now, steer clear of it. • Unsweetened frozen fruit is a perfect • To make rolled oats, combine one part topping, especially since it creates its own oats and two parts water. “sauce” as it defrosts. Try heating up • To make steel cut oats, combine one part blueberries with a pinch of cinnamon! oats and four parts water. • For a dish that tastes like fresh banana bread, stir in sliced bananas and a dash of maple extract. • Chop a handful of unsalted nuts or seeds and scatter them over your bowl. • Feeling festive? Add a half cup of pumpkin puree and a pinch of nutmeg.