Written by Talia Cecchele
Oats are one of natures real superfoods. A wholegrain, bursting with nutrition, this grain is super versatile. Oats are naturally rich in beta-glucan which is a soluble fibre and is shown to improve blood glucose control, insulin response and decrease cholesterol levels (wow!).
Other reasons to love oats:
Source of complex carbohydrate meaning glucose is released slowly into the blood when oats are digested
High in potassium, low in sodium
Higher protein content (14%) compared to other cereals
Contains B vitamins including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate
Contains vitamin E (great for skin)
Contains iron, zinc, selenium and magnesium!
So how can you add this amazing wholegrain into your diet?
Boost your breakfast. This is an easy one, but starting your day with a bowl of porridge, overnight oats or muesli is going to set you up for the day. If you don't feel full from porridge and milk, bump up the protein with added Greek yoghurt, nuts and seeds.
Sip it. Add a couple of tablespoons of oats to your next smoothie. The extra fibre will help to keep you fuller for longer and the addition of oats makes the smoothie a little thicker which I prefer.
Bake it. Add oats to cakes, muffins, cookies, crumble and slices. I have so many snack recipes using oats including my Chickpea and Tahini Cookies and Choc Orange Oat Bars.
Roll it. Next time you make energy balls, replace half the almond meal with oat flour (you can make oat flour simply by blending oats in a food processor).
Make a patty. Instead of using bread crumbs in your meat balls or burger patties, swap them for quick oats.
Crumb it. Use oats to coat schnitzel or as a topping on salmon and fish. To make an oaty crust mix oats with chopped nuts, fresh herbs and lemon juice.
Flip it. Add oats into your Sunday morning pancake mix
Gift it. Make a double batch of my nutty granola, divide it into jars and gift it to your friends and family. Everyone loves a homemade gift! How else do you add oats in your diet? I would love to know! Shoot me a message through Instagram or Facebook.
Talia is a registered dietitian working in private practice and as an eating disorder specialist dietitian in London's leading private mental health hospital. As a freelance dietitian, Talia not only offers 1:1 consultations but can present at your workplace, create recipes or articles or host a cooking demonstration. To enquire please fill out a contact form.