Oh, What Wonderful Oats! Celebrating National Oatmeal Muffin Day

You have probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but do you know why? Breakfast is so essential because it provides your body with the fuel it needs to power through the morning. It also breaks the fast that your body goes through overnight. Choosing the right food to help your body stay energized is also important, that is why I always celebrate National Oatmeal Muffin Day on December 19th.

Oatmeal is a great breakfast because it is full of nutrients and fiber to keep you energized throughout the morning. Unfortunately, many of us don’t have the time in the morning to sit down and have a full breakfast. And oatmeal is nearly impossible to eat when you are on the go. That is why one of my favorite go-to morning breakfasts is an oatmeal muffin.

A basic oatmeal muffin recipe consists of milk, oats, eggs, oil, flour, baking powder, and a sweetener. You can always add some more ingredients to mix things up and add additional nutritional benefits.

Essential Oats

The base of every oatmeal muffin recipe is of course the oats. Oats are great because they are typically gluten-free and suitable for most diets. Oats also have a variety of essential nutrients. Here are just some of the benefits of oats:

• Ample Antioxidants: Your body uses antioxidants to help protect its cells from damage that can cause disease. Oats have high amounts of antioxidants like Vitamin E.

• Fiber: Oats have soluble fiber which has been shown to reduce the bad cholesterol LDL. Fiber also helps to regulate bowel movements and improve gastrointestinal health.

• Micronutrients: There are an array of vitamins and minerals in oats. From Manganese to Phosphorus, and even B-Vitamins. Your body uses these micronutrients for proper daily function.

• Blood Sugar: The fiber in oats can also help reduce and maintain your blood sugars. Fiber slows down digestion preventing spikes of blood glucose after eating.

Oatmeal Muffin Mixes

If you are looking for a more exciting breakfast option, try adding some fun mixes into your muffins. You can make your muffins crunchy, savory, or sweet just with a few ingredients. Here are some of my favorites:

• Chocolate Chips: To make things a little sweeter, mix in a ¼ cup of chocolate chips.

• Nuts: You can add in any nut of your choice. For a heart-healthy breakfast, try an unsalted nut blend.

• Berries: For natural sweetness, add in some berries. You can use strawberries, blueberries, or any berry of your choice.

• Apple Pieces: A twist on the classic apple pie, add chopped apple slices and cinnamon into your oatmeal muffin batter.

Your Turn to Action: What is your favorite way to eat oatmeal muffins? Let me know in the comments below.

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