In cooking, simplicity can be perfection. One example is as a bowl of oatmeal.
Oatmeal is easy, versatile, affordable, nutritious, and delicious.
Select oatmeal: steel cut oats and rolled oats are best for blood sugar balance, fibre and have minimal processing.
Instant oats can be ok too, as long as they are plain, not flavoured or sweetened.
Flavored instant oats, like maple, apple cinnamon, etc, are usually *loaded* with sugar.
Basic stove top method (for rolled oats)
(*This makes several servings. It can last a few days in the fridge and be reheated, too. A great meal prep item!)
Ingredients:
1 part oats (1 cup)
2 parts water (2 cups
A pinch of sea salt
Steps:
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 - 7 mins, until all the water is absorbed. You can also strain any remaining water. Oats should be soft and creamy looking.
(You can do the same thing in a microwave, just use a bowl and stir every 30 seconds until liquid is absorbed).
Add a splash of milk of your choice, then:
Add Toppings:
Protein: a swirl of nut butter, Greek yogurt, scoop of protein powder, hemp hearts
Nuts & Seeds: almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, chia seeds and flaxseed
Fruit: berries, banana, apple, etc
Natural sweetener: a bit of honey or maple syrup
Spice: a pinch of cinnamon, pumpkin spice or nutmeg
Crunch: some granola or more nuts / seeds
(Use as many toppings as you like. This can change depending on your mood and appetite!).
Experiment until you find your perfect bowl of oatmeal.