One of the biggest benefits of eating oatmeal is the effect it has on reducing the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in your body, the “bad” cholesterol. The soluble fiber in oatmeal helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream, and adding fruits can increase the amount of soluble fiber you’re getting, so it’s a double win. All that healthy fiber in oatmeal can have a profound effect on improving your cardiovascular health.

Whole-grain oatmeal is also known to boost metabolism, to be specific minimally processed old fashioned and steel cut oats increase metabolism. Swapping heavily processed quick oats for these minimally processed whole-grains help add complex carbohydrates to your diet, which in turn makes your body work harder to break them down. The extra work your body does to break down the whole-grain oatmeal increases your metabolism, and also keeps you feeling fuller and more satisfied for hours.

Banana and Almond Butter Oatmeal:

2 cups unsweetened almond milk

1 cup steel cut or old fashioned oatmeal

1 banana thinly sliced

2 tablespoons almond butter

1 teaspoons honey

In a medium sauce pan combine the almond milk and oatmeal, heat on low until most of the liquid is absorbed. Add in 1/2 of the banana slices and the almond butter, mix together and let the oatmeal soak up the rest of the milk. Remove from the heat, move to two bowls, top with the remaining banana slices and drizzle with honey.

Each serving has: 375 calories, 6 g fat, 8 g fiber, 8 g protein, 66 g carbs.

Enjoy!!!

LTC Torque Fitness & Wellbeing Team!