8 Exciting Oatmeal Alternatives
Bust out of a breakfast funk and make an energizing, filling meal that’ll make you look forward to waking up
Shoveling in a bowl of oatmeal every morning can be a healthy choice, but even with the range of extras you can add to your bowl, after a while your taste buds crave a change—and perhaps more texture. Don’t even think about that bacon, egg, and cheese or gigundo bagel—reach for another healthy carb instead.
“All grains offer a unique taste, texture, and nutrition profile,” says Rachel Begun, R.D., spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Mixing it up will keep things exciting and give you a wider range of the nutrients you need.” The only downside is that most require some simmer time on the stove, so if you want the same speedy convenience as instant oats, prepare a batch the night before. Then all you have to do is pop a bowl in the microwave the next morning.
See how eight grains and seeds stack up against steel cut oats, which provide 170 calories, 3 grams fat, 29 grams carbs, 10 grams fiber, and 7 grams protein in every dry quarter cup, and never eat a boring breakfast again.
RELATED: Oatmeal pairs perfectly with more than nut butters, fruit, and other sweet flavors. Try these 16 savory oatmeal recipes for a delicious meal that’s great any time of day.
Technically a seed, amaranth (as well as quinoa and buckwheat) gets lumped into the grain category because of its texture and nutrient profile. Amaranth is stock full of iron, potassium, and calcium, and packs even more protein than quinoa, so it’ll help keep your stomach from growling during your morning meeting.
Break your breakfast rut: With a mild and nutty or earthy flavor, amaranth flour goes well in crepes, muffins, and pancakes, or boil the grain on the stove and top with banana or peach slices and cinnamon.
Nutrition score per serving (1/4 cup dry): 190 calories, 3.5g fat, 34g carbs, 7g fiber, 8g protein
