Eat Your Oatmeal

[mark the shoeshine boy]

As you may know, I have high cholesterol. Eating Oatmeal is a great way to lower your C count....

Sometimes I don't have the time to sit down and eat a bowl of oatmeal.

Alot of your oatmeal bars are full of sugar and perhaps other things, I shouldn't be eating.

Does anyone have a recipe...simple to make...(one serving would be one cup of uncooked oats...) perhaps in a bar form to make it handy....

any suggestions ???

Thanks in advance,

Mark the shoeshine boy

[flippantfig]

Something I have been doing for months is mixing 1/2 cup of oats, 25g whey protien powder (vanilla flavoured) in with 200-220ml water, grinding it up in a blender and drinking it for breakfast. It works out about 300 calories.

Im trying to stick to a 'cutting' diet and keep my metabolic rate up by eating little and often hense the low calorie count. Meals are about every three hours. Though you could play with the ratios to see what fits if you need to go longer.

Sounds weird but its quite nice.

[jduffy]

There was a great episode on Good Eats about energy bars. Love that show.

Here are some ideas for you to play with as you can adjust to your needs.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_ea/episode/0,1976,FOOD_9956_38665,00.html

[jduffy]

Something I have been doing for months is mixing 1/2 cup of oats, 25g whey protien powder (vanilla flavoured) in with 200-220ml water, grinding it up in a blender and drinking it for breakfast. It works out about 300 calories.

Im trying to stick to a 'cutting' diet and keep my metabolic rate up by eating little and often hense the low calorie count. Meals are about every three hours. Though you could play with the ratios to see what fits if you need to go longer.

Sounds weird but its quite nice.

I've recently started working out, lifting weights and cycling and this sounds good. I'm in the process of losing fat and hopefully gaining muscle. Hopefully! :thumbup:

[vinny1957]

As a heart patient (I have CAD and 5 stents) most of any type of "bars" have oils that are not good for the heart. Instant oatmeal isn't bad. Add water, nuke it for a min. and your ready to go.
Vinny

[GeeQue]

I have been eating oatmeal on an almost daily basis for over twenty five years. Nothing to do with cholesterol...I just happen to like it.

Cholesterol testing should be done in the morning without having eaten anything for 12 hours prior. Even people with normal cholesterol levels may show a higher level if they've eaten anything prior to the test.

I mention this only because about four years ago I had it tested and was not told this nor noted by my doctor. So right after breakfast I had it done. I don't want to get into the triglceride numbers and all the now, but my total cholesterol was 207. A month later I found out about the 12 hour fasting...took the test again through another doctor and this time my total was 167 !

[ouch]

I'll trade problems with you. I can't get the missus to make oatmeal that doesn't come out in the form of a bar.:frown:

[flippantfig]

I've recently started working out, lifting weights and cycling and this sounds good. I'm in the process of losing fat and hopefully gaining muscle. Hopefully! :thumbup:

Good luck jduffy! The thing is the exercise. I need to get out and move more, the diet can only go so far. The more muscle you build the more you have to keep you body ticking over. You can get lost in nutrition and work out regimes if you're not careful. Bit like shaving. :wink:


As a heart patient (I have CAD and 5 stents) most of any type of "bars" have oils that are not good for the heart.

Agreed. You need fats as part of a balanced diet, but refined and processed cr:eek:p can be cut right out!

[JMT]

As you may know, I have high cholesterol. Eating Oatmeal is a great way to lower your C count....

Sometimes I don't have the time to sit down and eat a bowl of oatmeal.

Alot of your oatmeal bars are full of sugar and perhaps other things, I shouldn't be eating.

Does anyone have a recipe...simple to make...(one serving would be one cup of uncooked oats...) perhaps in a bar form to make it handy....

any suggestions ???

Thanks in advance,

Mark the shoeshine boy


Mark,

I'm guessing there is no other form that will have the same benefit as a good old fashioned bowl of oatmeal. I would guess your best bet would be to just wake up earlier.

[roughrider]

Here are some foods to add to your diet.

http://www.health.com/health/package/0,23653,1150042,00.html


http://www.whfoods.com/foodstoc.php

[jduffy]

Here are some foods to add to your diet.

http://www.health.com/health/package/0,23653,1150042,00.html


http://www.whfoods.com/foodstoc.php

Great links, I like the whfoods one particularly. Thanks for posting them.

[bearbeard]

Once again the powers of B&B amaze me.

I have a physical this week, and last time my cholesterol was borderline on the high side.

Do you think just starting to eat nothing but oatmeal the week prior will help my numbers?

[mrob]

As one who just had his cholesterol checked and is now on drugs to lower it, I don't think the point is to eat only oatmeal for a week to get the number down.:biggrin:

Have yours checked, and if its high do something about it--like oatmeal, diet, drugs, exercise, etc.

I dieted for 6 months after my last visit and the numbers went down enough that it should be OK with the drugs. My trick is keeping it down.

[roughrider]

It is much better to attack the problem from many directions. Don't focus one particular food. Use a variety of foods. Be sure to consume a good amount of fiber. Lentils and beans are very high in fiber. I also use the Wal-Mart brand (Equate) of sugar-free Metamucil. It costs about $5 for a pretty big tub. I take 2 teaspoons for 2 days on, 1 day off. I take it before going to bed.

I eat a mixture of brown rice, black beans, and lentils. I add a chicken breast or salmon.

I'm also avoiding refined sugar. Regular soda has 40-50g of sugar per can. Diet soda has no sugar added. I drink plenty of water but when I'm craving soda, I go for the diet.

Your goal should be to avoid saturated fat. Nuts and fish are high in fat, but it is heart healthy fat. I eat 1-2 oz of almonds or pecans mixed in my oat bran cereal.

I ride a stationary bike for 45 minutes a day. I just pop on my headphones and listen to my MP3 player or read a book. It makes the 45 minutes go by very fast. I usually cover 11 miles in 45 minutes. I take 1 or 2 days off a week.

Eat a good serving of fruits a day. If you have a sweet tooth, then I suggest you include honey and sweet fruits in your diet. Sweet fruits include honeydew, cantaloupe, mangos, dates, figs, etc. I've heard Buckwheat honey to be the best. The darker honey usually has the most antioxidants.

[roughrider]

Great links, I like the whfoods one particularly. Thanks for posting them.


No problem. :smile:

[prophet]

I usually just dump oatmeal and water in a bowl until it looks right, then throw it in the nuker for about 3 minutes. Alot of the time I will mix in some peanut butter for protein, but you might not want to do that. I tried some whey protein in it once, and almost tossed my cookies.

Almonds or walnuts would probably be a good choice tho.

[mark the shoeshine boy]

http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/frugal/breakfast.htm

i made this today....except for the canola oil...it is about what i am searching for when i am on the run....i actually made these into bars...they turned out real good, too...

But I am going to keep the rest of this in mind....

There are other things that i do to keep it down, and i will set my alarm clock a little earlier...so i can have a great shave and a bowl of oatmeal...

mark tssb

[Queen of Blades]

...so i can have a great shave and a bowl of oatmeal..

Just make sure you don't confuse your bowls!

Oatmeal doesn't have much lubricity! :biggrin:

[mark the shoeshine boy]

oatmeal can be a great cleanser...no matter where it goes .....:ohmy:

[bearbeard]

I tend to carry some of the instant packs of oatmeal with me to work. I put one pack in a styrofoam coffe cup and use the hot water from the coffee machine....real fast way to get some oatmeal. So far I like the maple flavor. but during wimbledon I do eat Strawberries and Cream flavored oatmeal.:biggrin:

[jduffy]

How very English of you. :biggrin:

I hope your using some Truefitt & Hill products as well!

[Sue]

Oat Bran is very good for lowering cholesterol. You can make it as a hot cereal like Oat Meal or using the basic muffin recipe on the box, vary it with the addition of banana, nuts, blueberries etc. Always use egg whites or egg substitute for the eggs. Sprinke a little in your spagetti sauce, clili or similar for added fiber, add it to homemade whole grain bread.

Don't introduce a lot of fiber to your diet quickly or you will be ostracized. Your body needs time to adjust.

Tip: If you have anyone on your list, make Oat Bran muffins with a lot of chocolate chips & serve still warm to someone deserving of a 'got-cha'.
Sue

[bearbeard]

How very English of you. :biggrin:

I hope your using some Truefitt & Hill products as well!

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[TimmyBoston]

I like oatmeal, but I wonder how effective it is at reducing cholesterol, since the research that indicates its effectiveness was funded by Quaker Oats.

[mark the shoeshine boy]

according to the Mayo Clinic, this is what they say...

Cholesterol: The best foods to lower your cholesterol and protect your heart

What's in? What's out? From one day to the next, you can't be sure. Find out the best foods to reduce your cholesterol and protect your heart.



Can a bowl of oatmeal help prevent a heart attack? How about a handful of walnuts, or even your baked potato dressed in sterol-fortified margarine? A few simple tweaks to your diet — like these — may be enough to stave off a cholesterol problem.
Oatmeal and oat bran

Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, brussels sprouts, apples, pears, psyllium, barley and prunes.
Soluble fiber appears to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in your intestines. Gel-like soluble fiber binds bile (which contains cholesterol) and dietary cholesterol so that the body excretes it.
Five to 10 grams of soluble fiber a day decreases LDL cholesterol by about 5 percent. Eating 1.5 cups of cooked oatmeal provides 4.5 grams of fiber — enough to lower your cholesterol. To mix it up a little, try oat bran or cold cereal made with oatmeal or oat bran.
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Dietary fiber: An essential part of a healthy diet (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fiber/NU00033)
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Walnuts, almonds and more

Studies have shown that walnuts can significantly reduce blood cholesterol. Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, walnuts also help keep blood vessels healthy and elastic. Almonds appear to have a similar effect, resulting in a marked improvement within just four weeks.
A cholesterol-lowering diet in which 20 percent of the calories come from walnuts may reduce LDL cholesterol by 12 percent. For a 1,200-calorie per day diet, a little less than 1/3 of a cup of walnuts is about 240 calories, or 20 percent of the total calories for the day.
All nuts are high in calories, however, so a handful will suffice. As with any food, good or bad, eating too much can cause weight gain, and being overweight places you at higher risk of heart disease. To avoid gaining weight, replace foods high in saturated fat with nuts. For example, instead of using cheese, luncheon meat or croutons in your salad, add a handful of walnuts or almonds.
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Dietary fats: Know which types to choose (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fat/NU00262)
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Fish and omega-3 fatty acids

Studies in the 1970s showed that Greenland Eskimos had a lower rate of heart disease than did other individuals living in Greenland at the same time. Analysis of dietary differences between the groups showed that the Eskimos ate less saturated fat and more omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and whale and seal meat.
Research since that time has supported the heart-healthy benefits of eating fish. If you can't dine with the Eskimos, other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil and soybean oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids are noted for their triglyceride-lowering effect, but they also help the heart in other ways such as reducing blood pressure and the risk of blood clots. In people who have already had heart attacks, fish oil — or omega-3 fatty acids — significantly reduces the risk of sudden death.
Doctors recommend eating at least two servings of fish a week. The highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids are in mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon. However, to maintain the heart-healthy benefits of fish, bake or grill it.
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Fish FAQ: The merits and hazards of eating fish (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/NU00292)
Flaxseed: Is ground or whole better? (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flaxseed/AN01258)
http://www.mayoclinic.com/images/clear.gif

Foods fortified with plant sterols or stanols

Foods are now available that have been fortified with sterols or stanols — substances found in plants that help block the absorption of cholesterol.
Margarines and orange juice fortified with plant sterols can help reduce LDL cholesterol by more than 10 percent. The amount of daily plant sterols needed for results is at least 2 grams — which equals about two 8-ounce servings of plant sterol-fortified orange juice a day.
Plant sterols or stanols in fortified foods don't appear to affect levels of triglycerides or of "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Nor do they interfere with the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins — vitamins A, D, E and K.
However, the American Heart Association recommends foods fortified with plant sterols only for people who actually have high levels of LDL cholesterol.
Soy

Long thought to have cholesterol-lowering effects, a recent meta-analysis by the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee showed soy protein actually has very little impact on reducing cholesterol levels. In January 2006, the American Heart Association issued a statement saying the cardiovascular health benefits of soy protein are minimal at best. No benefit was seen on HDL, triglycerides, or blood pressure and even with a large intake of soy, only a small impact on LDL was seen.
Though it may not lower your cholesterol, soy does contain vitamins and minerals and is a good source of fiber. It's also a healthy low-fat alternative source of protein.
Cut fats first

The first step for a heart-healthy diet is to reduce your intake of bad fats — especially saturated and trans fats. If cutting out bad fats isn't enough to reduce your cholesterol, you may want to try adding soluble fiber, nuts and fish to your diet. If you need more boost from your foods, try adding foods fortified with plant sterols.
Eating a combination of these cholesterol-lowering foods increases the benefit. But dietary changes alone are not always enough for everyone. If your cholesterol is still high after you've revised your diet and increased your physical activity, your doctor may suggest adding cholesterol-lowering medications to your treatment plan.
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Statins: Are these cholesterol-lowering drugs right for you? (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/statins/CL00010)
Cholesterol quiz: Is your diet hurting your heart? (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/QZ00046)
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[JAG]

Here's a recipie for the best oatmeal I've had. It comes from a book put out by the same people who put on the "America's Test Kitchen' TV show.

Fluid: 3 units of water, 1 unit of milk ( a unit is the amount of oatmeal you cook)

Oatmeal: Use 'steel cut oatmeal' instead of the flaky s**t. Buy it in bulk from from a health food store; it's cheaper and fresher than the canned stuff from Ireland.

Bring the fluid up to a simmer (don't boil it!)
While this is going on toast the oatmeal in a fry pan.

Add the oatmeal to the fluid and let it cook until it's just a little goopier than you like to eat. (Stir it once or twice during this time). Take it off the heat and mix in a dash or two of salt (I don't particularly like salty oatmeal so I leave this step out).

Let this alone for 5 minutes or so.

I eat this with milk,chopped almonds/walnuts and raisins or brown sugar.

Make up a batch on the weekend, put it in the fridge and microwave a bowl for breakfast. Simple, tasty, fast and healthy.

Bob

[Scotto]

JAG's post describes what I eat. It takes some time, but the results are great. I'll make up a big batch and re-heat as needed throughout the week. Steel-cut oats are great for you and have a much different (and better)texture than the rolled oats. Toasting them in a pan beforehand also brings out the flavor. A bit of (real) maple syrup on top, and a few walnuts, and you are in heaven.

[sphughes]

I have Quaker Instant oatmeal every morning to start the day. I add a cup of dried flakes to a bowl and cover with skim milk. I nuke it for about 60 seconds, then add a tablespoon of ground flax seed and crumble up a handful of walnuts or almonds into it and mix it up.

There is a surpising amount of flavor and everything is healthy. The flax seed will also contribute to lowering your cholesterol and you won't be hungry for a while. I wanted to lower my values without taking meds and so far so good.

-Scott-

[ouch]

Mmmmm. Steel cut. Put me down for a bowl with brown sugar, maple syrup, and raisins.:001_tt1:

And a side of bacon.

[rtaylor61]

JAG's post describes what I eat. It takes some time, but the results are great. I'll make up a big batch and re-heat as needed throughout the week. Steel-cut oats are great for you and have a much different (and better)texture than the rolled oats. Toasting them in a pan beforehand also brings out the flavor. A bit of (real) maple syrup on top, and a few walnuts, and you are in heaven.

Scotto,

I'm assuming you are toasting the flakes in a dry non-stick pan?

Randy

[Scotto]

Scotto,

I'm assuming you are toasting the flakes in a dry non-stick pan?

Randy
Not flakes, but the steel-cut variety. Since I don't have any cholesterol problems, I use a small amount of butter, but you can do it in a dry pan just fine. I heat up the millk/water while I am toasting, so it doesn't add any time.

[jnich67]

I'm in the steel-cut camp as well. I make a big batch Sunday night and nuke it with frozen blueberries every morning. You can add brown sugar or honey as well. I also like to add a little fresh cracked black pepper. Lots 'o fiber!!:001_tongu

Jordan

[Sue]

What is 'Steel Cut'? The type of oats in bulk at a health food store? Where do you find this kind?
Sue

[Xert]

My personal favorite is simply to toss raw oats into a bowl with some milk and a bit of brown sugar. Learned it from a Jamaican friend years ago and found I liked it much better than the sticky goo of cooked oatmeal.

[Scotto]

What is 'Steel Cut'? The type of oats in bulk at a health food store? Where do you find this kind?
Sue
Yep. It is just oat groats cut into a few pieces, instead of rolled flat. Sort of looks like broken brown rice.

[rtaylor61]

I'll be picking up some of these steel cut oats tomorrow at Wild Oats. What is their shelf life? Can I safely pick up a couple of pounds and expect them to remain fresh, or should I go with a smaller quantity?

Randy

[rtaylor61]

In my neighborhood, TraderJoe is a member of the forum. No stores here!

Randy

[Scotto]

I'll be picking up some of these steel cut oats tomorrow at Wild Oats. What is their shelf life? Can I safely pick up a couple of pounds and expect them to remain fresh, or should I go with a smaller quantity?

Randy
Any whole grain has a shelf life, since the oils associated with the bran and germ can go rancid. Nevertheless, you can store it in the fridge for several months with no problem.

[rtaylor61]

I picked up a couple of pounds of "groats" last night at Wild Oats (our version of Whole Foods). They look like a cross between rice and sunflower seeds. And I followed the recipe listed in this thread, using one cup as a unit. It took FOREVER to cook them. Maybe my liquid was not hot enough to start with. But with a little help from one of our culinary experts here (thanks Scotto), I managed to...cook oatmeal! I have to admit...these are tasty! Very different from the "run of the mill" instant stuff. I scooped out a serving, tossed on a small handful of slivered almonds and some cinnamon, and had a decent, healthy breakfast. I'll do some experimenting with this, but I'm done with instant stuff!

Randy

[Scotto]

Randy, were they broken into pieces (which is what steel-cut oats are), or were they whole groats? That might explain some of the cooking time deltas.... :confused:

[ratcheer]

I have some of the canned Irish oatmeal. Yes, it takes forever to cook. And yes, it is exceptionally delicious. :001_tt2:

Tim

[mark the shoeshine boy]

I have some of the canned Irish oatmeal. Yes, it takes forever to cook. And yes, it is exceptionally delicious. :001_tt2:

Tim

do you use that in Irish Stew ???

mark tssb :biggrin1:

[ratcheer]

Nope. I just make oatmeal with it.

Tim

[rtaylor61]

Scotto,

I'll assume they are whole, not broken down. As I mentioned, they look like a grain of rice.

Randy

[Scotto]

Scotto,

I'll assume they are whole, not broken down. As I mentioned, they look like a grain of rice.

Randy
A ha! Then that is the culprit. Next time if you ask for the "Steel Cut" variety you will get something that will cook in a more reasonable amount of time, and will give a slightly better texture. The groats are cut into smaller pieces this way. I can take a picture of them if you wish, so you know what they look like.

[rtaylor61]

A ha! Then that is the culprit. Next time if you ask for the "Steel Cut" variety you will get something that will cook in a more reasonable amount of time, and will give a slightly better texture. The groats are cut into smaller pieces this way. I can take a picture of them if you wish, so you know what they look like.

Scotto, I appreciate it, but this was all they had. And actually, I liked them. I'll check some other places in the meantime and see what I can find.

Thanks for all of your help!

Randy

[mark the shoeshine boy]

GROATS....THE BREAKFAST OF INTERNET MANAGERS OF THE WORLD !!! :tongue_sm

[Scotto]

I had to resurrect this thread (and move it to the Speakeasy). Since it came out, I have become completely obsessive about eating oatmeal in the morning. See what effect this place can have?

Besides the usual (but time-consuming) steel-cut oats, I must say I have become enamoured of the regular (NOT quick-cooking!) oats. Here is what I do:
1/2c. of oats into a medium microwave-safe bowl (do not use something too small or it will boil over)
pinch of salt
1c. skim milk
Some raisins

Put this in the microwave on high power for 3 minutes. Transfer (or not) to your serving bowl and add some brown sugar and some nuts. Just delicious, and good for you.

In some experimentation I have found that the tiny amount of salt is critical for both texture and flavor. It makes a huge difference. Without it you get bland, cardboard mush. With it you get perfectly flavored, toothsome porridge.

As an extra treat, I sometimes add a couple of tablespoons of buttermilk after cooking, or perhaps some cinnamon.

[ouch]

I take my oatmeal the same way, with a touch of brown sugar to help me forget that I'm eating something healthy.

[redbike]

If you've got the time a great way to cook either rolled or steel cut oats is to slowly heat them up in skim milk. Put both cold milk & oats in the saucepan over lowest possible heat and bring to boil. Takes approx. 15-20 mins. depending on amount of oats/milk & stove setting. Needs some attention so it doesn't boil over or stick. Results in a very creamy texture.

Nice for a weekend breakfast with whatever you want to add.

Enjoy.

jim

[galopede]

Porrige - yeuch...

[thmsmd]

I lowered my cholesterol 20 points taking an omega 3 supplement everyday.

[Ltltony]

Ok, so now I'm interested. I have to check out this steel cut oatmeal stuff.
One question, when you guys make a bunch for the week, do you have to add more water/milk each time you nuke it?

[Scotto]

Ok, so now I'm interested. I have to check out this steel cut oatmeal stuff.
One question, when you guys make a bunch for the week, do you have to add more water/milk each time you nuke it?

I don't, but you can if you like to thin it out a bit.

[jnich67]

Ok, so now I'm interested. I have to check out this steel cut oatmeal stuff.
One question, when you guys make a bunch for the week, do you have to add more water/milk each time you nuke it?

I usually add a little skim milk to loosen it up a bit, but it works either way.

Jordan

[MacArthur Mike]

if anyone is looking for a good oatmeal try macroom's stone ground irish oatmeal. its available at www.zingermans.com. anyone who likes the steel cut irish oats should give this a try. its different from the steel cut, however, is woth a try if you are an oatmeal fan.

[tm3]

i've always loved oatmeal. i have it as often as i can for breakfast. my favorite routine:

dry oatmeal, walnuts, craisins in a bowl with just enough water to wet the oats but not submerge them. nuke for 90 seconds. add a heaping tbsp of smart balance (fake butter that lowers cholesterol) and some buttermilk. top with a little brown sugar or honey.

i'll try adding a touch of sea salt and see what happens.

unfortunately after eating this for breakfast for 6 months no effect on my cholesterol. but i'm still hooked.

[fili123]

I usually just dump oatmeal and water in a bowl until it looks right, then throw it in the nuker for about 3 minutes. Alot of the time I will mix in some peanut butter for protein, but you might not want to do that. I tried some whey protein in it once, and almost tossed my cookies.

Almonds or walnuts would probably be a good choice tho.

+1 thats what I do as well every morn...water, oats, almonds 3 mins in the nuker, add frozen fruit that we pick during the seasons. always good.

[expatCanuck]

As you may know, I have high cholesterol. Eating Oatmeal is a great way to lower your C count....
Oatmeal. Ughh. Nasty stuff. Steel-cut oats, on the other hand ... . :thumbup1:
Cooking via a programmable rice cooker makes it very convenient.

More generally -- in March of 2007, my cholesterol was above 200.
By July, it was below 150. My physician was most impressed.

No drugs. Just diet & exercise (I can be a phenomenal research geek when motivated.)

PM me if you'd like details of the regimen I adopted.

- Richard

[Doc4]

I take my oatmeal the same way, with a touch of brown sugar to help me forget that I'm eating something healthy.

Brown? Go for demerara sugar. Or better still, skip the sugar and get some nice, tasty, dark honey. Now yer talkin'!


... oh, and since it's fresh cranberry season, a handfull of those tossed into the pot when you start cooking the oatmeal ads a nice zing. :thumbup1:

[Hoos]

I have become a dyed-in-the-wool steel-cut oatmeal fan since I bought this:

http://www.zojirushi.com/ourproducts/ricecookersimages/npgbc1.jpg

A Zojirushi rice cooker (http://www.zojirushi.com/ourproducts/ricecookers/np_gbc.html). They have several other models, but this one is great. Timer, non-stick bowl, doesn't take up much counter space, and it's also great for making brown rice and other dishes. It really does more than cook rice.

I can set it so that the oatmeal is ready for me in the morning, when I get up. It works great.

Get yourself one for the holidays. Not too expensive, and one of the few small appliances that's really great. It's nearly replaced my stove.

Oatmeal recipes (easy):

When the oatmeal is done cooking, throw in a handful of dried cranberries (other dried fruits work great, too, but cranberries and oatmeal go nicely together) for another 15 minutes. Mmmmm.

Add some applesauce and cinnamon to the cooked oatmeal. This is great! And it cools down the oatmeal.

Sometimes, I just do butter and cinnamon-sugar. Also great.

[expatCanuck]

I take my oatmeal the same way, with a touch of brown sugar to help me forget that I'm eating something healthy.


Brown? Go for demerara sugar. Or better still, skip the sugar and get some nice, tasty, dark honey. Now yer talkin'!


... oh, and since it's fresh cranberry season, a handfull of those tossed into the pot when you start cooking the oatmeal ads a nice zing. :thumbup1:Maple syrup. And I keep the berries (whatever they are) raw.

[Confuzius]

Pretty much oatmeal or cheerios for breakfast every day. Problem is that I adulterate my oatmeal with brown sugar or maple syrup.

[toucanlamp]

Oatmeal has to be one of the absolute best foods out there for general nutrition. I am still pretty young and I get lazy so often times I just end up pouring some milk on the oats and eating them like cereal. Its kind of bland, but I'm also into working out and stuff and so try to get more calories than the average person and when you cook oats it expands massively so in order to get a 1/3 cup you have to eat this whole big bowl full of oatmeal, which is better than uncooked taste-wise, but kind of time consuming.

Also, I like to mix it up a bit. If you have a Bulk foods store around you, there are many things which you can basically cook like oatmeal, are good, healthy grains, and give you a bit of variety. I like to get rye flakes, which look pretty much just like oatmeal bit a bit darker brown, they cook up simiarily but the taste is more rye-ish. I also get corn grits once in a while, though corn is a much more simple carb and doesn't have the same amount of fibre as oatmeal or something like rye, but it's tasty once in a while.

You can also mix in a little bit of ground up flaxseed for a bit of the healthy fats they contain. Like said already, stay away from the processed stuff like oatmeal bars or the pre-made cereals, they're a ripoff money-wise and contain tons of sugar. At the bulk barn you can buy a pound of oats for like 60 cents around here.

Someone else also reccomended steel cut oats, which I've had, I think they are also called Scotch Oatmeal, it's the whole oats not cut up and rolled, it tastes way different and is apparantly more health being less processed, but they are kind of a pain since they take like 15-20 minutes to cook on the stove.

Lots of options out there though. I think incorporating healthy grains into your diet is one of the easiest ways to improve your nutrition.

[JarheadSgt]

For you guys that cook up a week's worth, how much oats do you use?

[ratcheer]

Pretty much oatmeal or cheerios for breakfast every day. Problem is that I adulterate my oatmeal with brown sugar or maple syrup.

Problem?

Tim

[biomesh]

Funny how this thread came up. I just made some oatmeal (steel cut oats) in a crockpot last night - 3/4 cup oats, 1 cup milk, 2 cups water, with some dried cranberries and raisins.

Some of the best oatmeal you can have.

[TstebinsB]

Oatmeal gets a bad rap but it's a great meal. With the right fruit and/or sweetener, it is hard to beat. I especially like it during the colder months. :thumbup1:

[expatCanuck]

I have become a dyed-in-the-wool steel-cut oatmeal fan since I bought this:

http://www.zojirushi.com/ourproducts/ricecookersimages/npgbc1.jpg

A Zojirushi rice cooker (http://www.zojirushi.com/ourproducts/ricecookers/np_gbc.html). ...We've used this one:
http://www.zojirushi.com/ourproducts/ricecookersimages/nskcc1.jpg
for the past five years or more.
NS-KCC05. Less than half the price of the fancy programmable model. Cooks steel-cut oats just fine. Makes rice well, too. :biggrin:

[Aevum]

this forum is killing me, first scad and now this,
i needed more fibre in my diet, so i picked up some wheatabix, 2 of those wheat patties in a bowl, with skim milk and i ate it. tasted like cardboard,

now thanks to this tread, i´ve started premaking it, sugar, vanilla, heat it up, a worlds differance in taste and texture, and now im going to have to go get real oats and a rice cooker aswell..

i wonder if the goverment has a special provision for people who went bankrupt following forums like this.

[ratcheer]

i wonder if the goverment has a special provision for people who went bankrupt following forums like this.

Not another government bailout! :eek:

Tim

[whiskerlips]

How long does it take in a rice cooker? I use the slow cooker method sometimes but a portion always seems to cook too much and stick to the bottom.

[Hoos]

Not sure how long oatmeal takes in my rice cooker since the timer is set so that the oatmeal is cooked when I wake up. The timer is the kind that you set the time for when you want it ready, not when you want it to start cooking.

I think it cooks for about an hour or so.

Brown rice takes about 1-1.5 hours to cook.

[expatCanuck]

How long does it take in a rice cooker? I use the slow cooker method sometimes but a portion always seems to cook too much and stick to the bottom.


Not sure how long oatmeal takes in my rice cooker since the timer is set so that the oatmeal is cooked when I wake up. The timer is the kind that you set the time for when you want it ready, not when you want it to start cooking.

I think it cooks for about an hour or so.

Brown rice takes about 1-1.5 hours to cook.In the KCC05 on the porridge setting, I think 45-50 minutes. If you're not using the timer, you can cut down on the time a bit by starting the process using hot water (not hot out of the tap -- filtered water made hot in the microwave or heating it up in a small pot -- only really a time saving option if you've got a gas stove).

[ScotchDave]

Being Scottish I'm afraid I can't not say this: it's called Porridge!!!!!!!!!


I make mine by putting rolled oats in a mixture of water and milk, no set ratio just try it. Bringing it to the boil then simmering.


Dave

[TstebinsB]

Being Scottish I'm afraid I can't not say this: it's called Porridge!!!!!!!!!

Technically, oatmeal is a kind of porridge.

[Abdiel]

is the problem sitting down to eat, or making and eating it?

If it's the making it part get yourself some pinhead/Scottish/Irish oats and toss them into a slow cooker set to low the night before. Alton Brown has a recipie for this actually.

Dish out shovel em down and out the door.

[blary54]

I made oatmeal yesterday and did a stupid experiment not really thinking it through.

I just got back from the Gym and was going to take my protein powder. Decided to mix the vanilla protein powder into the boiling water I was going to put my oatmeal in. Well the protein started separating from the water turning into gelatinous globs....eventually turning into a jellybean hard rubbery texture. Ate one just to try it...disgusting. Whole pan of oatmeal went into the garbage.

Next time ill just mix the protein with the milk then pour it on top.
One thing I recommend is BSN dessert whey Banana Bread protein. Mix it with your milk and pour it on top. Tastes delish.

http://www.vitacost.com/BSN-Lean-Dessert-Protein-Shake-Banana-Nut-Bread

[smalltownlegend]

Joe's morning breakfast ritual consists of coffee, bagel & cream cheese, 1 serving oatmeal plain, 1 hard boiled egg.

[blary54]

Are you Joe? Are you referring to yourself in the 3rd person? :001_smile

[Laz]

I love the steel cut oats. But hate taking the time to prepare them.

I will try the crockpot methed and toasting them - both sound great.

[smalltownlegend]

Why, yes. The Joe did refer to himself in third person.

[Doc4]

i wonder if the goverment has a special provision for people who went bankrupt following forums like this.

Yes ... somewhere in the neighbourhood of $7,000,000,000 I understand. It was just in the news recently.






... I don't think it will be enough, BTW.

[rayzor]

1 cup steel cut oats
1/2 cup non-fat yogurt or plain applesauce

mmmmm good

[tclevela]

You'll get no sympathy from me about eating oatmeal in a candy bar.

Buy a rice cooker that has "Fuzzy Logic". I bought a Zojirushi NS-ZCC10. Put in water and steel cut Oatmeal and then walk away. When it is done the cooker will beep and then switch to keep warm mode. Whatever I cook in it comes out absolutely perfect! I normally cook up to a weeks worth of oatmeal and put it in the fridge. In the morning I nuke it in the microwave. A little butter and on it and I'm happy.

[Laz]

You'll get no sympathy from me about eating oatmeal in a candy bar.

Buy a rice cooker that has "Fuzzy Logic". I bought a Zojirushi NS-ZCC10. Put in water and steel cut Oatmeal and then walk away. When it is done the cooker will beep and then switch to keep warm mode. Whatever I cook in it comes out absolutely perfect! I normally cook up to a weeks worth of oatmeal and put it in the fridge. In the morning I nuke it in the microwave. A little butter and on it and I'm happy.

What is your water to oatmeal ratio?

[expatCanuck]

1 cup steel cut oats
1/2 cup non-fat yogurt or plain applesauce

mmmmm goodCooked in or on top of? And to feed how many?
(In our miserly household, 1/3 cup uncooked feeds two or three of us -- of course, I augment with diced apples (in the pot) or raw berries -- or both.)


What is your water to oatmeal steel-cut oats ratio?3:1

[tclevela]

What is your water to oatmeal ratio?

I am so in Love with my rice cooker I bought a cook book for it. "The Ultimate Rice Cooker Cookbook". By Beth Hensperger and Julie Kaufman edition March 2003. 355 pages.

MACHINE: Medium (6-Cup) rice cooker:
Fuzzy logic only
Cycle: Porridge
Yield: Serves 3

"Old-fashioned Steel-cut Oatmeal"
1 1/4 cup steel-cut oats
3 cups cold water
Pinch of sea salt.

Cook on Porridge cycle. At the end of the cycle, the cereal will be thick and will hold on Keep Warm for 1 to 2 hours.

[blary54]

What is the benefit of a rice cooker? Is it kind of like a crock pot? Can you cook anything else than rice, and oatmeal in it?

[_JP_]

A rice cooker is a "set and forget" type of appliance. The end result is no better than a skilled cook doing it the old fashioned way.

[LagerLover]

Mark,

I'm guessing there is no other form that will have the same benefit as a good old fashioned bowl of oatmeal. I would guess your best bet would be to just wake up earlier.

Poor guy's probably already getting up early just to shave!!:biggrin:

If beer lowers your cholesterol then I'm golden. :wink:

[OldGrowth]

Something I have been doing for months is mixing 1/2 cup of oats, 25g whey protien powder (vanilla flavoured) in with 200-220ml water, grinding it up in a blender and drinking it for breakfast. It works out about 300 calories.

Im trying to stick to a 'cutting' diet and keep my metabolic rate up by eating little and often hense the low calorie count. Meals are about every three hours. Though you could play with the ratios to see what fits if you need to go longer.

Sounds weird but its quite nice.

Have you tried using skim/non-fat milk?

[medal]

Will oatmeal help me with cholesterol? Currently taking statins (http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/10/26/think-twice-before-using-statin-drugs.aspx) but after doing my research I'm having second-thoughts.

[scottish steve]

Gentlemen.
Porridge should always be prepared with pinhead oatmeal. Not rolled oats or flattened oats. It's very small, much smaller in grain than rissoto rice and usually quite white. I don't know if this is the steel-cut type you're talking about.
Anyway, take a reasonable portion of pinhead oatmeal and pour in your rice-milk, milk/water mix or even oatmilk the night before. Add dried fruit etc. Cover and store in the fridge while you sleep. When you wake, heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly (preferably with a wooden spoon) until it starts to thicken, then add a small amount more of the liquid you prefer. Finish with honey and some more dried fuit or a drop of whisky if it's a night-time snack.
This method ensure creamy, lump-free porridge in under 2 minutes.
If you want to take some with you to work, make slightly more than a breakfast's-worth and pour the remainder into a shallow Tupperware dish. Scoop out with a bran muffin at your morning break. It'll thicken into something humous-like but if you've seasoned it well, it should be quite tasty.
For a birthday treat, use 3/4 milk 1/4 single cream as your liquid and add a vanilla pod and some cinnamon to the mix the night before, then use maple syrup at the end. I like to break up something nice, like a chocolate muffin or a croissant into the hot porridge, to give it more texture and avoid the need for toast.