National Oatmeal Month 

January is National Oatmeal Month. Here at Vee Culinary, it seems only fitting to celebrate it with the indulgences of the holidays still fresh in our minds (and other body parts too). The New Year is here; time to get back to the basics, and oatmeal is one of the most simple, essential, and nutritious foods one can eat.

OATS ARE NATURALLY HEALTHY!

Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth. They’re intrinsically a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

While naturally gluten-free, they may contact gluten-containing grains such as wheat, rye, and barley at the farm, in storage, during transportation, or even in the packaging or processing plants.

MAKE SURE YOUR OATS ARE GLUTEN-FREE!

With that being said, if you maintain a gluten-free diet, be sure to use oats that are “pure, and/or uncontaminated,” “gluten-free,” or “certified gluten-free.” Of course, you will find a certified gluten-free product may cost more; however, you and your health are worth it. 

Here are a few brands that have certified gluten-free oatmeal choices in their product line : 

• Bob’s Red Mill
• Glutenfredda
• McCann’s 
• Nature’s Path 
• Quaker Select Starts Gluten-Free 

Studies show that oats and oatmeal have some excellent health benefits. These include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease. Let’s celebrate January by getting back in the swing of good healthy choices, like oatmeal. 

You may also think that oatmeal can be very dull; however, with a bit of ingenuity, and of course, having a few extra items in either your pantry or fridge, you can change an everyday routine into a delicious and ever-changing breakfast. Don’t want to have to think about it? Just get in touch with here. 

Oatmeal with ripe berries – blueberry, raspberry and blackberry for healthy breakfast.

Here are some ingredients we like to use to change basic oatmeal into a new and exciting breakfast. 

• Fruits include bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, pomegranate arils, grapes, coconut, and apples.
• Nuts such as almonds, pecans, pine nuts, and walnuts. (And don’t forget you can also use candied, salted, or flavored nuts for an extra zing, but make sure they too are a certified gluten-free product.)
• Healthy whole foods such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, etc.
• Other delicious ingredients include honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, dark or white chocolate pieces, coconut, and alternative milk such as coconut, almond, cashew, and flax milk.

Gluten free Oatmeal with some fresh fruit

And don’t forget that you do not have to make oatmeal every day, as you can also do crockpot or slow cooker oatmeal to last a week. And, that leads us to our next celebration! January is also National Slow Cooker Month, and we have 2 new recipes already added to our site. 

Want to know more, go here?  Link to Slow Cooker Month post