Today, we celebrate National Oatmeal Month! Oats contain a powerful soluble fiber that can help reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol in your blood, lower your blood glucose levels and help you feel fuller for longer periods of time.

With so many different oatmeal products on the market, how can you tell which is healthiest? When it comes to plain oats, there isn’t a significant health difference between steel-cut oats, rolled oats and instant oats.

• Steel-cut oats are the least processed of the three kinds of oats. With steel-cut oats, the outer shell has been removed, and the oats are cut – and that’s it. Steel-cut oats take the longest time to cook.

• Rolled oats have one additional processing step. After the outer shell is removed and the oats are cut, they are steamed and pressed flat. As a result, rolled oats cook faster.

• Instant oats are the most processed of the three. Instant oats are actually thinly cut rolled oats; their small size makes for quick cooking. But watch out for flavored instant oatmeal. These products may be loaded with sodium and sugar that don’t fit with your healthy eating plan.

Are you ready to make oatmeal part of your regular breakfast routine? Here’s a recipe with the flavor of apple pie and the health benefits of rolled oats.

You can quickly prep it in the evening and pop it in the microwave the next morning for a fast and healthy breakfast treat. You can even eat it cold!

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup rolled oats

• ½ cup milk

• ½ cup applesauce

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 pinch salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine all ingredients in a sealable container (like a mason jar).

2. Stir the mixture, OR seal it tightly and shake vigorously until everything is thoroughly combined.

3. Place it in the fridge overnight (or several hours). In the morning, eat it cold or warm it up for 1-2 minutes in the microwave.

Recipe Card for Applesauce Overnight Oatmeal

Sources:
Cheap Recipe Blog
EatingWell