The way Starbucks markets it, you'll form the base of your meal with their signature Perfect Oatmeal and then add one of three different toppings for added flavor. The Perfect Oatmeal in itself isn't all that bad, coming in at 140 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbs, and 5 grams of protein.
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These are the whole grain form of an oat, but rarely are they sold as is. Instead, you find steel-cut, rolled or instant oats, and all are pre-cooked to some degree. 1  Steel-cut oats = oat groats cut into pieces. 2  Rolled oats = the same thing as longer cooking oats but are steamed longer and rolled a bit thinner.
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/what-you-need-to-know-about-instant-oatmeal-and-your-health/
The real stuff is the plain oat flakes from Quaker Oats or a similar brand. The benefits of oatmeal are due to the fact that it's made from oats and oats are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. According to the American Cancer Society: 1.
http://health.learninginfo.org/benefits-oatmeal.htm
I know. Especially when you hear that steel-cut oats take 30 minutes to cook on the stove. That’s a long time! But, yes, those instant packs are often stuffed with too much sugar and salt and other not-so-good-for-you ingredients. And you can actually make regular oatmeal much quicker than you might think.
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/what-you-need-to-know-about-instant-oatmeal-and-your-health/
Plain Oatmeal with Brown Sugar. Their lowest-calorie option, plain oatmeal with brown sugar, will be your best dieting option as it packs in just 220 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, 44 grams of carbs, and 8 grams of protein.
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Oatmeal has a pretty bland taste, which makes it hard for the average person to consume every morning. Here are ways you can make it taste better. 1. Make the oatmeal with milk instead of water. This will also add calcium and more protein.
http://health.learninginfo.org/benefits-oatmeal.htm
To soak oats, mix together 1 cup of rolled or steel-cut oats (not instant) to 1 cup warm, filtered water with a Tbsp of apple cider vinegar or lemon or yogurt or kefir and let sit, covered, for at least 12 hours although 24 is best.
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/what-you-need-to-know-about-instant-oatmeal-and-your-health/
Brown Sugar Topping. If you opt for their Brown Sugar topping, you're going to be taking in another 50 calories, not fat, 13 grams of carbs-all of them simple sugars-and no protein. Essentially this is a tablespoon of brown sugar added on top, hardly a healthy way to start your day. Pick this topping and you'll tack on an additional 100 calories, no fat, 24 grams of carbs-20 grams of which are sugar-and less than 1 measly gram of protein.
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Make oatmeal in advance and reheat. Steel-cut oats can be made on the stove in 30 minutes, and rolled oats take as little as five minutes on the stove. You can reheat oatmeal without losing any nutritional benefits. Make crock-pot oats. Make steel-cut or rolled oats in a crockpot overnight.
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/what-you-need-to-know-about-instant-oatmeal-and-your-health/
This gives the oatmeal a pretty good taste plus it adds protein. Combine this with using milk and you'll have a meal that is high in fiber, calcium and protein! 4. Add fruit such as blueberries to the oatmeal. You should aim to eat roughly 1 cooked cup of oatmeal each morning for optimal health benefits. And play around with the above preparation suggestions until you find a taste that you fall in love with.
http://health.learninginfo.org/benefits-oatmeal.htm
how good is oatmeal for you
Oatmeal is good for you as it is made from oats and oats contain soluble and insoluble fiber. Oatmeal are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.