Experiment with oatmeal
You may not realize it, but all oatmeal is not all the same. Depending on the way oat groats are processed, oatmeal has a very different texture once it’s cooked. So while you may think you don’t like oatmeal, you should experiment a little before deciding:
• Steel cut oats are groats that have been cut into two or three pieces. They take about 30 minutes to cook and have a chewy texture.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats are made from groats that have been steamed and softened so that they can be rolled flat. The thinner they’re rolled, the more creamy they turn out.
• Quick-cooking rolled oats are made from groats that have been cut into smaller pieces before they’re steamed and rolled. They are creamiest of all.
This week, challenge yourself to discover a different type of oatmeal. It’s a great source of soluble fiber and may even lower your cholesterol.
*In a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, 3 grams of soluble fiber from whole grain oats may reduce the risk of heart disease.
