We have a lot of favorite things that start with O -- oranges, origami, Oprah (not necessarily in that order). But today, we're talking about one of our other favorites -- OATMEAL. Check it out...   

Oatmeal ABCs

Oats are a great power food. They're high in fiber (so they keep you feeling full for a long time) and packed with B vitamins. Plus, studies have linked oatmeal (when eaten regularly) to lowered LDL cholesterol levels, reduced risk of heart disease, and lowered risk for type 2 diabetes.

Confused by the different types of oatmeal? Everyone is. Here's a quick rundown:

Steel-Cut (Irish) - Coarse, chopped up oats. Take longer to cook, but yield chewier oatmeal.

Old-Fashioned (Rolled) - Oat flakes that have been steamed, rolled flat, and toasted. Minimally processed for maximum health benefits.

Quick-Cooking - Old-fashioned oats that have been rolled thinner and cut into smaller pieces, so they cook faster.

Instant - Thin, precooked oats with less natural flavor and texture. Often contain added salt, sugar, and/or other flavorings.

Quick Picks!

Quaker Simple Harvest All Natural Instant Multigrain Hot Cereal

PER SERVING (1 packet): 150 - 160 calories, 1.5 - 3.5g fat, 75 - 90mg sodium, 30 - 33g carbs, 4g fiber, 9 - 12g sugars, 4g protein -- POINTS® value 2 - 3*

This stuff has oats plus plenty of other whole grains, like rye and barley. Score! Try every flavor -- Apples with Cinnamon; Vanilla, Almond and Honey; and Maple Brown Sugar with Pecans -- because they're all good. Yes, ALL.


Amy's Organic Hot Cereal Bowls

PER SERVING (1 bowl): 190 - 220 calories, 1.5 - 3.5g fat, 190 - 300mg sodium, 40 - 42g carbs, 5g fiber, 12 - 15g sugars, 4 - 6g protein -- POINTS® value 3 - 4*

This super-hearty, hot 'n oaty, nukeable frozen b-fast cereal comes in 3 varieties (already in their own bowls!) -- Rolled Oats, Steel-Cut Oats, and Multi-Grain. Amy's also makes a Cream of Rice Hot Cereal Bowl, but there are no oats involved, so we left that one out.


Kashi GOLEAN Hot Cereal

PER SERVING (1 packet): 150 calories, 2g fat, 100mg sodium, 25 - 26g carbs, 5 - 7g fiber, 6 - 7g sugars, 8 - 9g protein -- POINTS® value 2*

Mmmmmm, this cereal is soooo good. AND it's lower in sugar than many instant hot cereals (so if you like yours sweet, throw in a Splenda packet). There are 2 flavors -- Hearty Honey Cinnamon and Creamy Truly Vanilla -- for you to start your day with.



Kozy Shack Ready Grains Healthy All Natural Multigrain Cereal

PER SERVING (1 bowl): 180 - 210 calories, 2g fat, 180 - 200mg sodium, 30 - 39g carbs, 7g fiber, 17 - 26g sugars, 7 - 8g protein -- POINTS® value 3 - 4*

As occasionally lazy humans, we love it when things are all ready to go. This creamy stuff is made with low-fat milk and 4 types of whole grains (including steel-cut oats AND rolled ones... fancy!). The folks at Kozy Shack say you can eat it hot OR cold, but we say HEAT IT. Choose from Apple & Cinnamon, Maple Brown Sugar, Original, and Strawberry. We like the Original best (and the Strawberry least).


Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal

PER SERVING (1 container, nothing added): 140 calories, 2.5g fat, 105mg sodium, 25g carbs, 4g fiber, 0g sugars, 5g protein -- POINTS® value 2*

Way to go, Starbucks -- your oatmeal ROCKS! It's totally satisfying, delicious, and customizable. Served with a 50-calorie packet of brown sugar, 100 cals' worth of dried fruit, and a 100-calorie nut medley, you can add items to your o-meal as you please. Heads up -- adding ALL of the extras to your bowl will cause it to contain close to 400 calories and a POINTS® value of 8*. So choose a couple of items and save the rest for later, perhaps?

M.Y.O.O. (Make Your Own Oatmeal... and Oatmeal-Infused Items!)

Grab 'n Go Breakfast Cookies - These are like oatmeal that you can pick up and munch on as you run out the door (minus the sticky fingers). Click 'n scroll, baby!

Complete & Utter Oatmeal Insanity - The wild-'n-craziest bowl of oatmeal you will ever put in your face.

Berries & Cream Oatmeal Pudding and Choco Monkey Oatmeal - Not one, but TWO amazing oatmeal recipes for your breakfast enjoyment.

Peachy Keen Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins - Think outside the bowl! Make a batch of these and have oatmeal goodness all week long. Click & scroll!

Oatrageous Chocolate Chip Pancakes - Next time we'll try making oatmeal out of pancakes (KIDDING!).

AM Apple Scramble and Oatstanding Veggie Patties - Breakfast and lunch, courtesy of Quaker!