OATMEAL - HELP ME!

MoMoves

There are definitely times when I can be a picky eater, and oatmeal is one of those times. I've just never learned to love it. It's less of a flavor issue, and more of a texture issue. (I'm funny like that!) BUT I know it's good for me, and as I'm also trying to model better eating and trying new foods to my even pickier children, I bought some reduced sugar flavored oatmeal packets to get us started. And this morning we all had a had oatmeal for breakfast!

I was super impressed that my girls even dared to try it (my positive attitude must finally be getting me somewhere!) My younger daughter ate about half her bowl (she's not a big breakfast eater) and my older daughter ate about a fourth of her bowl before she gave up. I managed to choke down my entire bowl just to prove to my kids that it was better than they thought. BUT the truth is....I JUST DIDN'T LIKE IT. :-(

So, I'm looking for advices/tips/recipies etc...how can I make eating oatmeal better for me and my kiddos. I know it's so good for us. And I want to get over this hump. I want to learn to like oatmeal!

dianeboehm

Have you ever tried Steel Cut Oats? I make a batch in the crock pot (takes 4 hours on low). Makes enough for a week. Reheats in micro for 2 minutes, I add fresh fruit and cinnamon.

pldmi

Don't know if this will help or not but I didn't lke the texture of oatmeal either. It basically reminded me of thick gooey old people food. I use the instant oatmeal packages prepared with water and I add more water to it and make it kinda soupy. It helped alot with the texture of it for me and I now actually like the maple and brown sugar oatmeal.

wwh140

I'm interested to see what suggestions you get as I too have a thing about oatmeal. And, like you said, it's the texture. It's one of those things that seems to grow in my mouth, much like cottage cheese - blech! I know I should eat the oatmeal, but I just can't seem to choke it down. Good for you for making it through that bowl!

Liatush

Oatmeal can be extremely good - try banana flavored, make it nice and thick (with skim milk, not water) by cooking it a little longer (just watch the microwave door to make sure its not overflowing), add cinamon, add sliced fruit (I love it with bananas, raisins, strawberries, blueberries, a bit of granola, mango, etc.)

maisie_moo

Love my porridge (english oatmeal) with blueberries

KellieR56

I've never liked oatmeal either...but I found that if you eat Quaker High Fiber Maple and Brown Sugar and add cinnamon to it, it's quite healthy and yummy! have you tried making oatmeal cookies?

edleim

I hate the texture in oatmeal packests, hate it. But...I love Mcanns Steel Cute Irish Oatmeal. It takes 3 minutes to make and tastes amazing. There is no sugar or anything so it is very bland. I cook it with Skim milk. I put out little bowls of brown sugar, fresh fruit and cinnamon. I love that I can vary the ingredients and the fact that everything tastes so fresh.

lisapisa1

I use the instant flavored oatmeal and use 2 mini moo coffee creamers and the hot water. I find the mini moo creamers help the flavor a lot and I use extra water to thin it out.

My favorite brand is the Quaker Oats Weight Control Banana Bread....yum!

humpalc

I second the steel cut oats option. I use the old fasioned, most of the time, though and add vanilla yogurt or soy milk- more creamy, less mushy

cskalaj

Even though you have a Steelers logo on your ticker, I guess I will give you my positive two cents about oatmeal :P

I've also been an avid hater of oatmeal, but I kept reading on here about steel cut oats, so I bought some this past weekend to try. The texture is different than what we're used to...more of a whole-grain type texture...and I make mine with less water so it's not soggy, but still has some "al dente" chew to it and it's actually not that bad. I have thrown in crasins and cinnamon sugar (just a teaspoon is 15 calories and plenty to sweeten my 1 cup of oatmeal with the tablespoon of craisins) and it's only around 200 calories, so...give it a shot! Steel cut aren't so bad

gloriaramage

buy old fashioned oatmeal and cook it on the stove....use less water and more oatmeal...and don't cook it long. The texture is totally different and much more satisfying! whatever toppings...brown sugar, walnuts and butter is the best but not very diet friendly....I have learned to enjoy it with lemon juice!

hummzz

I LOVE oatmeal, but I can not stomach the instant flavored ones because of texture as well. I think if you use regular oats and make it to the consistency that you and your family can endure that might be better. Add your own flavor. I put cinnamon, butter and brown sugar. Don't pile it on to keep it somewhat low cal, but just enough to give it a nice lil taste. Or just put some cinnamon in it.

ErrataCorrige

I have a texture issue with oatmeal too. I stay away from the instant because it is too mushy. If I am making the regular I make sure that I DO NOT stir it. Once you put it in the water give it one quick stir, cover and do not touch it until you serve it up. This really helps it from becoming mushy.

Also, you might try steal cut oats. This is oatmeal that hasn't been squished flat. Takes longer to cook, but it is more dense, not mushy, and the flavor is much nuttier. My kids also love it, who are both very picky.

Hope this helps!

chelseamckell

I have the solution! MCDONALDS! Their new oatmeal is SO good! It has fruit bits in it and is $2. Your kids might eat it better cuz it came from a restaurant! Then you can tell them, "hey, let's make this ourselves at home!"

bmhicks627

Ok... I am texture freak too! You need to go to the instant oatmeal part of your grocery store and fine the new packets called Better Oats. It is an instant Steel Cut oatmeal with flax and real ingredients. I loveit. I think it is actually alittle too sweet but I have found that if I pour out the packet slowly, I can leave some of the sugar in the packet. The blueberry muffin variety is in my desk and eaten every morning.

peacemom

Sometimes, I'll put in frozen blueberries (cools oatmeal), or walnuts, brown sugar or honey and a little margarine. I like different fruits in my oatmeal-bananas or raisins. I know some people never get over the texture thing-try cream of wheat or grits or cocoa wheats (my son's favorite-with a little brown sugar and butter).

NoAdditives

I like to use rolled oats. I make it with milk and add dried cranberries, slivered almonds, lots of cinnamon, allspice and some nutmeg, and a little vanilla.

Charrisse

Steel cut oats for the win!
They are very good, not gooey or lumpy.

wilholloway

add foods to the oatmeal that you/your kids enjoy. For example, I add peaches (light syrup) to give the oatmeal a flavor and a consistency I like.

KadieA

I second the steel cut oats option. I use the old fasioned, most of the time, though and add vanilla yogurt or soy milk- more creamy, less mushy

Hmmmm, I've never thought of adding yogurt instead. I am a HEAVY creamer type of gal. I'll have to definitely look into it!

vwgurl2

I have a baked oatmeal recipe that I like to make. I bake then cut it up into small portions and put it in the fridge. I will reheat with milk or water to moisten it. You can change the recipe however you want...

1/2 c brown sugar
3 c oatmeal
1/4 c white sugar (I use the splenda baking mix or you could use honey or even agave nectar)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 c oil (I use applesauce instead)
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs (Im sure you could use an egg substitute)
1 c milk
cinnamon to taste

Mix together and bake in 2 quart casserole dish at 350 for 30-40 min.

Here are some suggestions: I add blueberries (fresh or frozen), dried cranberries, and raisins; add mashed banana and nuts; use coconut milk and flakes, nuts, raisin; throw in some peaches. You can vary this however you want!!!

Pril2000

Have you ever tried Steel Cut Oats? I make a batch in the crock pot (takes 4 hours on low). Makes enough for a week. Reheats in micro for 2 minutes, I add fresh fruit and cinnamon.

What is the exact recipe for this? By recipe I guess I mean what is the ratio of oats to water? I love oatmeal and I hate having to buy it at work every morning because I can't get up early enough. 2 minutes in the microwave could save me some money for sure. Thanks!!

vdub88

I've never liked oatmeal either...but I found that if you eat Quaker High Fiber Maple and Brown Sugar and add cinnamon to it, it's quite healthy and yummy! have you tried making oatmeal cookies?

My recommendations to the HIgh fiber one as well - I like tht maple and brown sugar - i too hate the texture - the taste is fine. I mix with water but put it in a styrofoam cup and watch how much water i put in it. I pretty much swallow it whole. no sense in keeping it in my mouth longer than I have too. Its so good for you and I will say it fills me up as well.

joellebird

I use 1/3 cup plain old oats, add 2/3 cup water, zap them in the microwave for a 3-4 minutes, and then add 1 tbsp peanut butter and sliced banana. I find that the whole oats have a much better texture than packaged oatmeal, plus it's a lot healthier for you. It's really yummy and keeps me full ( and energized) at least until lunch every day!

luv2ash

try mixing it in a cereal bowl, with water, a splash of egg beaters, and some baking powder. Mix until batter like consistency, and cook in microwave for 1-1/2 minutes. Should come out sort of like a scone--something I have gotten used to for the past 4 months.

sarahnicolexoxo

I eat Quaker Oats Banana Bread Weight Control instant oatmeal. I don't use water, only 2% milk and pop it in the microwave. It has 160 calories and only 1 sugar!

tigerblue

Definitely use the old fashioned oats. Neither my kids nor I will touch the instant flavored stuff. Mushy and fake! But we love real oats with sugar and butter (oops--I use fake butter spray for mine! and splenda). Frozen fruit, thawed in microwave, is good on top too. If you have a large bowl, you can cook ithe oats in the microwave, just watch the first time for boiling over. Try different bowls til you find one that works.

1/2 cup oats, and enough water to mostly cover. I don't even measure the water, and I keep a 1/2 cup measure in the oats canister for speed and convenience. Cook on hi in microwave for 3 minutes. It's even fast enough for busy mornings!

mmmary201

I have to choke it down sometimes myself. I'll add a packet of sugar (an extra 15 calories, oh well) and I tolerate it much better. I eat oatmeal for the full factor more than anything. But I do like steel cut oats too, try that like someone else mentioned. I eat those with a pinch of salt and brown sugar.

doutri2

I too was going to suggest that you look up some Baked Oatmeal recipes. However, most of the recipes call for eggs, brown sugar, milk, etc. so it will no longer be a low calorie/ low fat dish. Plus, it takes much longer to prepare and it is not a quick breakfast meal.

The other option I have is one of my favorites. You have to prepare it in the evening and let it sit overnight in the fridge.

1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup fruit juice
1/2 cup yogurt
1 - 1 1/2 cups of fruit

Mix together in a bowl, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Before serving, you can sprinkle some nuts on top. This makes two servings and can easily be doubled and stored in the fridge for four days.

doutri2

I also put oatmeal and/or old fashioned oats in my pancakes.