National Oatmeal Day - a real holiday?
Most of you probably didn’t know that today is National Oatmeal Day! Every October 29th, this festive holiday slips right under our noses. Why didn’t anyone tell us? When you read about the following health benefits of America’s favorite breakfast, you might decide that today is actually worth celebrating.
Oats are the edible seeds that come from oat grass, a whole grain. Oat grass is grown and harvested in a process that separates the oats from the stem. After harvest, they’re mulled and hulled and eventually processed in a variety of ways leaving us with the different kinds of oats stocking our shelves: steel cut, old fashioned, instant, oat groats, and Scottish. Oats can then be ground to make oat flour which can be used as a more nutritious baking substitute. This makes our pantry staple a versatile friend. But why should we include them in our diet? Here’s just a few of the benefits:
Lower heart disease risk
Lower cholesterol.
Stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels
Regulation of appetite hormones
Promotes healthy digestion
There are so many different ways to prepare oats. Instant oatmeal is a great option when you’re traveling or need something quick before work (but make sure to check the ingredients for added sugars and preservatives). My favorite brand of instant oatmeal is Better Oats! Oats can be blended into flour for a gluten-free baking substitute. Homemade Granola makes a great addition to yogurt, fruit, cereal, or just as a snack! One of the newest oat trends riding its way through Tik Tok and a new personal favorite are baked oats. You blend oats and a few other ingredients into a batter, bake it, and it makes for a healthy breakfast “cake”. Be on the lookout for my baked oats recipe soon!
In meantime, post how you’re celebrating National Oatmeal Day and tag me so I can see all of your oat meals! If you want more in-depth coaching on your nutrition and/or exercise, I’d love to help you reach your goals through sustainable nutrition and exercise. You can connect with me here. I’d love to talk!
Comment with your favorite way to eat oats! Happy National Oatmeal Day!
— K