Agree with most everybody above. Steel cut oats have a lower glycemic index than instant oatmeal. If you are a diabetic, you should avoid the instant stuff since it raises your blood sugar more rapidly than regular oatmeal (or steel-cut). Larger surface area = quicker cooking = faster absorption.

James,

Not to get you down…

But we just had a lecture in med school about the adverse effects of artificial sugars (such as splenda; or those in diet soda). They essentially mimic the effect of a large dose of sugar on glucose absorption in the gut; in other words, you might be absorbing more glucose from the meal covered in splenda (glucose from the meal, not the splenda) than a meal w/o. Just food for thought.

You might consider using Agave nectar instead of Splenda or other artificial products. Agave is a natural sweetener with a low glycemic index. Ask your doctor if it fits within your dietary requirements.

If you feel like experimenting there are other ancient grains such as amaranth and quinoa that provide a tasty alternative to traditional breakfast cereals. Both are available in the bulk aisle at Whole Foods. Most hot cereals can be prepared on a stovetop by boiling water and then simmering the grains over low heat for about 15 minutes.

As another alternative, add a pinch of nutmeg instead of or in addition to cinnamon.

Almonds and other nuts provide an easy yet filling option for breakfast or a mid-day snack. Ideally, soak the almonds in water before you go to bed and enjoy the next day. Soaking makes the nuts easier to digest and improves the nutritional value.

This morning it’s steel cut oats, Splenda, dried mixed tropical fruit and cinnamon. Yummmmm….

You can also use a tiny pat of butter both for flavor and to help prevent boil-over. It breaks the surface tension and makes it harder for the oatmeal to foam.

I like cinnamon, dried cherries, or raisins, or walnuts, or almonds, or a combo. Microwave on high two minutes, let it stand a bit. I serve with Splenda or sugar-free syrup or brown sugar & milk. Quick, yummy, easy.

By all means, give up the crappy stuff in the envelope. Too many unpronounceable additives to be really good for you.

Blessings!

Chopped bananas and honey

You guys all convinced me, especially Julie since I respect her tech choices. Today I went to the store and picked up some steel cut oats, dried organic cranberries and dried tropical fruit mix. I ate a light lunch and this afternoon I tested this all out.

I used 1/4 cup of the oats, 3/4 cup of water, one packet of Splenda and a small ration of the cranberries. I nuked that on high for 90 seconds, then added some cinnamon, then nuked it on low for another 2 minutes. Mmmmmmm. Talk about delightful! You guys rock!

After reading all these posts I’ve got an urge to poor oats and milk and honey over Nigella Lawson and lick it all off!
If only …

I go for one of the following combos, which are almost entirely healthy:

Base: organic instant oats (typically plain, blueberry or flax; something with low sugar)

Mixin1: defrosted frozen berry mix

Mixin2: a teaspoon of brown rice syrup (complex carbohydrate sweetener), a couple of crushed walnuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon

I’m quite a snacker; with Mixin2 I find I can easily make it all the way to lunch with no need to snack.

This is going to sound really weird, but humor me and try it. Add some pureed pumpkin to your original mix – yes, the stuff of pie fame.

This is going to sound really weird, but humor me and try it. Add some pureed pumpkin to your original mix – yes, the stuff of pie fame.

I go for a spoonful of Greek honey and a sliced banana.

Get some flax seeds and grind them in a coffee grinder. Add a teaspoon to your cooked oatmeal. Flax seeds have great nutritional value, and help lower cholesterol.

I’m also a diabetic so I know were you are coming from here… Try the oatmeal with the peanutbutter but add a couple of teaspoons of dried currants and some shaved almonds… makes a nice trailmix type of crunch and the currants like blueberrys are good for controlling blood sugar levels — just don’t over do them

I think the sugar-free maple syrups taste terrible.

Instead of that syrup, try Mapleine. It’s a very concentrated artificial maple flavoring, so you won’t need very much of it.

I have been eating oatmeal with peanut butter for breakfast for years. Sometime I try almond butter or walnut butter if I can find it. I don’t like the instant oats I think that they taste weird. I boil water in the microwave when I wake up and add it to the oatmeal and peanut butter. When I get back to the kitchen from my shower it is the right temperature and consistency.