5 Boosts For a Better Bowl of Oatmeal

When it comes to morning meals, oatmeal ranks pretty high on our list. That’s because oats contain dietary fiber, which can keep you feeling fuller longer, help lower cholesterol and strengthen the immune system. Oats also contain compounds that have antioxidant properties, which protect against free radical damage.
Oatmeal makes a great flex breakfast during and after your Nutrisystem program. It can combine with nuts or nut butters and fruit to make a complete flex breakfast.

Here are five ways you can optimize your oatmeal:

1. Add Fresh Fruit

There’s nothing quite like a hot bowl of oatmeal with diced apple and a generous serving of cinnamon. Then again, melted blueberries pair so deliciously with oatmeal, combining the two is like a slice of blueberry pie heaven. And we know you’ve probably tried topping your oatmeal with sliced banana, but have you ever heated the banana up with your oatmeal? The banana gets so soft, you can mash it up, creating a tasty and thicker take on a typical bowl of oatmeal. Adding pomegranate arils to your oatmeal is also a great way to give it a punch of flavor while boosting your nutrient intake.

Note: A half a cup of oatmeal counts as one SmartCarb. When you add fruit, that’s another SmartCarb, making your bowl two SmartCarbs in total.

To know how much of each topping to add, simply reference the Grocery Guide. >

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2. Or Dig Into Dried Options

Dried cranberries, raisins, blueberries and cherries all make delicious add-ons. Feeling adventurous? Try Goji berries or dried apricots. You can either make your oatmeal and add your topping after or throw the dried fruit right in before cooking. The berries will plump up a bit. Either way… delicious!

Note: A half a cup of oatmeal counts as one SmartCarb. When you add dried fruit, that’s another SmartCarb, making your bowl two SmartCarbs in total.

To know how much of each topping to add, simply reference the Grocery Guide. >

3. Top with Nuts or Seeds

Nuts like sliced almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans all bring taste, crunch and nutrition to your morning meal. So do seeds like flax and pumpkin. Chia seeds, full of all kinds of body-boosting nutrients can be added to oats in the evening and left to sit overnight for a delicious, thick breakfast to be enjoyed the next morning.

Note: A half a cup of oatmeal counts as one SmartCarb. When you add nuts, that adds a PowerFuel, making your bowl one SmartCarb and one PowerFuel. Seeds count as Extras.

To know how much of each topping to add, simply reference the Grocery Guide. >

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4. Stir in Some Spices

People tend to forget that spices aren’t just for meats or veggies. Top your oatmeal with cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom for a sweet spin that’s totally guilt-free. Or, add a dash of mint and some unsweetened cocoa powder for a dessert-inspired morning must-have.

Note: Spices are free foods, so you can add as much as you like!

5. Add a Nut Butter

Bulk up your oatmeal by stirring in peanut, almond, cashew or sunflower seed butter. You’ll get added flavor and a creamier texture, and the healthy fats in the nut butters will help keep you feeling full.

Note: A half a cup of oatmeal counts as one SmartCarb. When you add nut butter, that adds a PowerFuel, making your bowl one SmartCarb and one PowerFuel.

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Before you take to topping your breakfast bowl, just be sure to consult with the Grocery Guide for help determining the right portion sizes.