Oatmeal. What’s not to love? It’s warm, comfort food when the weather is anything but. Plus, steel-cut oats are part of a heart-healthy diet. They may improve blood cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The key is not to negate those benefits by piling on the sugar, butter and/or salt.
What can you put in your oatmeal that’ll give you a flavorful boost and add to the positive health benefits? Try these 100-calorie or less add-ins:
- Blueberries 1/4 cup
- Apple 2 tablespoons diced
- Almonds 1 tablespoon sliced
- Strawberries 1/4 cup sliced
- Nonfat Greek yogurt 1/4 cup
- Walnuts 1 tablespoon chopped
- Cashews 1 tablespoon chopped
- Creamy peanut butter 1 tablespoon
- Toasted coconut 1 tablespoon
- Low-fat cheddar cheese ¼ cup
This article was reviewed Laura Tolle, RDN, LND, CDE, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes educator with Mission Health – My Healthy Life Wellness.