Applesauce Oatmeal Recipe - Food.com (2024)

FAQs

How do you make oatmeal taste sweet? ›

Other healthy topping options include nut butters, chia seeds, honey, cacao nibs, and cinnamon. You could also add a drizzle of raw honey or maple syrup to give your oats a touch of sweetness. Finally, you could also try adding unsweetened coconut flakes for some added texture and flavor.

Chia seeds absorb water or milk, so they're a great way to thicken up a bowl of oatmeal while also adding some filling fiber. You can mix a tablespoon of seeds directly into your cooked oats, or “gel” them first by allowing them to soak up ¾ cup of milk or almond milk.

Add different spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, allspice, or cloves. Add different sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar. Top your oatmeal with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or fresh fruit. Add a dollop of yogurt or Greek yogurt to your oatmeal for extra creaminess and protein.

High-sugar toppings like chocolate, syrup, and dried fruit

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

If you need to add a sweetener besides fresh fruit, opt for a natural one like maple syrup or honey. They're still high in sugar and calories, but at least they come with the benefit of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

“The banana helps make the oatmeal sweeter and creamier without the use of table sugar or cream,” she says. Use a ripe banana and slice it thinly, then whisk it into the oats as they cook. Beyond making it taste amazing, the banana adds a dose of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure naturally.

The Bottom Line

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Which is healthier chia seeds or oatmeal? ›

Although chia seeds provide healthy protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, whole-grain oats are a heartier source of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy antioxidants, and are generally considered more filling.

Why Do You Put Chia Seeds in Overnight Oats? Chia seeds up the nutrition content in overnight oats. They're loaded with good-for-your-gut fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which help calm inflammation in your body and may protect you from chronic disease. They also add a nice protein boost to this recipe.

Drizzle date syrup, agave nectar, or buckwheat honey for a more nuanced sweetness than straight-up sugar. Cook oats with fresh fruit like blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries for added texture, flavor, and plenty of beautiful color.

Provides sustained energy: Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate that provides a sustained release of energy throughout the day. The addition of honey and cinnamon can also help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes.

Drizzle date syrup, agave nectar, or buckwheat honey for a more nuanced sweetness than straight-up sugar. Cook oats with fresh fruit like blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries for added texture, flavor, and plenty of beautiful color.

Bring water to a boil in a small pot. Add oats and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar and maple syrup. Let sit until desired thickness is reached, 2 to 3 minutes.

To keep your oatmeal healthy, limit the added sugar and opt to flavor the dish with spices, fruit, and other nutritious alternatives. If you really need a boost of sweetness, try a natural source like honey, maple syrup, or stevia.