Oatmeal

C

Coakieanos

Cathlete
Dear Cathites,

I have a question, I have read in the forums and other fitness sites that oatmeal is the food choice for body builders and those that are trying to lose weight. Unfortunately, I CAN'T STAND OATMEAL (note the capital letters). What other choices for breakfast, in turns of hot cereals or even cold cereals, do I have?

What's a good replacement for oatmeal?

Thanks,

Yvonne
 
I usually have a smoothie in the morning that contains a good balance of protein, good carbs and some fat, in an easily-digestible form.

I mix a liquid (pomegranate juice or soy or rice milk), a protein powder (usually hemp, but I've used pea/rice or just pea...I avoid soy protein powders, and my digestion thanks me for it!...or a mix like Vega, that contains hemp, chlorella and maca root), some frozen berries or frozen banana (I peel ripe bananas and cut them into chunks, then put them in a tuppeware container in the freezer, taking out the ones I need) and sometimes a green food supplement (made of wheat grass and such).

And what is it you can't stand about oatmeal? If it's the texture, there is a fix for that. I find that rolled oats or quick-cook oats are too mushy and slimy at times: not very appetizing. Better, IMO, are oat groats or scottsh oats or steel-cut oats (all the same thing), which are whole oat grains that are chopped up. They have a chewy texture and a somewhat nutty flavor.

They take longer to cook (20-30 minutes), but you can save time by making a big batch twice a week, then refrigerating the extra in individual bowls, and the next days, chop up the solid mass it has become;-) , add some liquid like soy milk or even apple juice, and microwave it for a minute or so.

Another option would be to try other cooked grains, like quinoa (high protein, with all essential amino acids), teff, amaranth.

The problem, IMO, with most dry cereal is that it is made from flour, and even though it is 'whole grain' flour, it's not as good as whole grains themselves or minimally processed grains, IMO.
 
Kashi GoLean Cereal might be a good option for you. It's really high in fiber and protein and doesn't taste like twigs.

I get sick of it pretty quickly unless I top it with fruit or mix it with a small amount of Cheerios.
 
what about giving steel cut oats a try? I haven't done it myself, either, but people seem to like it a whole lot w/ it's yummy, nutty flavor & the goodies they sprinkle ontop :) If not, it's okay not to like oatmeal ;) You don't have to love it just b/c you think you're supposed to! I like the options of adding stuff into to the oatmeal to see if that helps, or try cereals that are decent for you. Don't forget about egg whites...if you like them, it's a great staple in the morning for fitness buffs! HTH!


Live with sincerity, love with passion, and dance like you mean it.

Debbie
 
Dear Kathyrn,

I find oatmeal hard to swallow. I just don't like the taste. I did try oat bran, it was tolerable. Maybe, i am buying the wrong brand.

Thanks for all your help.

Yvonne
 
I add a packet of splenda and vanilla extract....or sugar free chocolate syurp, or maple syrup to my oatmeal.......makes it much more YUMMY!
 
Yvonne, I don't care for oatmeal either, but if I don't cook it I like it. I put 1/4 c. in yogurt or Instone Pudding and its excellent. I also make protein pancakes with it that is really good and you can't taste the oatmeal.
 
Yvonne,
I second Debbie's recommendation of not cooking the oats. I eat them raw all the time, steel cut or regular, just top them with milk (soy or dairy) and fruit and you are good to go. You can even them them sit in the milk overnight and add in a few chopped nuts, a dash of vanilla extract, and fruit in the morning for some awesome muesli. This leaves the oats still chewy, not goopy and hard to swallow if it's the texture that bothers you.
Mattea
 
Hi Yvonne,
I second the suggestion of Kashi Go Lean cereal, especially with walnuts or almonds mixed with it.

You may want to experiment with oatmeal to see if there is any brand or flavorings that make it palatable. I prefer irish style oats because they are creamier and I love to cook it with cinnamon, raisins, and water. Then I add almond extract and vanilla soy milk. Peanut butter, cocoa, pumpkin, and frozen berries are other options that may help you swallow it! (Not together, though!)

I hope this helps some! :)
 
I cast another vote for Kashi Go Lean, I have some practically every morning with blueberries, ground flaxseed, and raw sunflower seeds.

I could never master cooking oatmeal so I've opted to use Quaker Oats Regular oatmeal in pouches. I cook 1 pouch in 3/4 cups water in the microwave, then add about 3/4 scoop of chocolate protein powder, 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter, and half a mashed banana. I stir it all up and to my tastebuds its yummy!!

Debbie has a great idea about the oatmeal pancakes too. Oh and a good oatmeal based muesli soaked for 7 minutes in milk (I use soy milk), is very yummy too.

Unfortunately oatmeal cookies aren't a good choice! ;-)

Heidi
 
Yvonne,
Have you tried Bear Naked granola? I have a 1/4c of this mixed with yogurt in the morning. It is very filling and tastes great. I first watched a special on the Food Network about the founders of the Company, Brendan and Kelly, college students with a dream that has turned into a HUGE success. It is available at Whole Foods as well as some more main stream markets like Costco and Meijer. It comes in four flavors; Fruit and Nut, Bannana Nut, Apple Cinnamon and my personal favorite Peak Protein. It is handmade with all natural ingredients.
www.bearnaked.com
If you try this you won't be disappointed.
 
Yvonne,

CREAM OF WHEAT! My friend is a bodybuilder and they swear by oatmeal, cream of wheat & rice. Your body breaks down these foods much easier than breads & pastas and they don't have any sugar!
 
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