16 Healthy Oatmeal Recipes That Taste Like Dessert (2024)

FAQs

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

High-sugar toppings like chocolate, syrup, and dried fruit

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

Oats contain phytic acid, an antinutrient that is known to interfere with the absorption of the vitamins and minerals from oats into your body. So, you need to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet to make up for the possible nutritional loss.

If you need to add a sweetener besides fresh fruit, opt for a natural one like maple syrup or honey. They're still high in sugar and calories, but at least they come with the benefit of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away. When applied to the skin: Lotion containing oat extract is possibly safe to use on the skin.

Some people may prefer to cook oats with water, especially those who are lactose intolerant to avoid any digestive issues. For those who can consume dairy, using milk can enhance the overall flavor, protein content, and creaminess of an oatmeal bowl compared to using water.

Emily Baylosis, RDN, specifies that “steel-cut oats are my recommendation due to their minimal processing and rich texture.” Other dietitians echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of choosing whole and minimally processed grains for optimal health benefits.

"Salt really brings the flavor of oats to life so don't skip this step when cooking and don't wait [until] the oatmeal is done to just sprinkle it on top," says Michalcyzk. Instead, stir in a pinch while you cook the oats, this way you can monitor as you go and get the right amount of salt.

Should I put honey or sugar in my oatmeal? ›

I personally think adding honey to your oatmeal is a great thing! It's a natural product that is full of benefits like antioxidants so much better than sugar. I added blueberries or raspberries to mine; it's yum it's like jam but you know it's natural.

Banana is my favorite way to sweeten oatmeal. Naturally ripe bananas not only add the perfect sweetness, but add extra fiber and potassium as well. I serendipitously discovered that thinly sliced ripe banana took the texture and flavor of oatmeal to the next level and have been making oats with banana ever since!

Mashed banana, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, flavored protein powder, peanut butter, almond butter, plant milks, coffee powder, matcha powder… there are endless options that will add so much flavor to oatmeal.

Bring water to a boil in a small pot. Add oats and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar and maple syrup. Let sit until desired thickness is reached, 2 to 3 minutes.

To keep your oatmeal healthy, limit the added sugar and opt to flavor the dish with spices, fruit, and other nutritious alternatives. If you really need a boost of sweetness, try a natural source like honey, maple syrup, or stevia.