January is National Oatmeal Month

Did you know that January is National Oatmeal Month? What better time to reacquaint yourself with this healthy, hearty, affordable pantry staple than at the start of a new year! Many of us make New Year’s resolutions that involve making healthier choices for ourselves and our families, and adding oatmeal to your regular breakfast rotation is a great way to implement that resolution. If you are a regular Beyond Breakfast reader, you already know how much we love oatmeal around here.

If you think oatmeal is just a hot, lumpy bowl of grains, think again! Oatmeal is making a comeback and trendy restaurants and food trucks are reinventing the homey staple into a chic dish fit for high-end breakfasting. Whether rolled or steel-cut, oatmeal is one breakfast cereal that is making a national comeback thanks to culinary enthusiasts who see its massive potential and widespread appeal. Oatmeal is the perfect canvas to feature a variety of healthy ingredients, including fruit, nuts, and milk. Among the health benefits linked to oatmeal: studies show the soluble and insoluble fiber may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, while the soluble fiber helps control glucose levels in the blood which in turn may reduce the risk for Type II diabetes; whole-grain oats contain many important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—think protein, B vitamins, folate, calcium, and iron. You can see a nutritional breakdown of oatmeal in this PDF sent to us from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension.

In addition to the oats themselves being affordable (about four cents per serving) they make a highly-customizable meal—perfect if you are trying to please a picky eater, or a crowd.

Does your school include oatmeal on the breakfast menu? What’s your favorite way to dress up your bowl of morning oats? Drop us a line in the comments section with your thoughts on this super-duper super food.