A recent study ranks lack of whole grains as the top diet-related risk factor in the U.S. (and many other countries). To put it simply, not eating whole grains increases the risk of death.
To be clear, it’s not that Americans don’t eat enough grains. We’re eating PLENTY, but, unfortunately, in the form of processed foods. This means little nutritional value and tons of excess crap, such as added sugar and fat. Think sugary cereals, crackers, granola bars, protein bars, white bread, pastries, baked goods, etc.
Luckily there are tons of healthy whole grains options, one being a favorite breakfast food: OATMEAL! Not the processed packets found at hotel breakfast buffets. The real stuff, like hearty and delicious steel-cut oats!
Steel-cut oats are whole oat groats cut in 2-3 pieces. When it comes to oatmeal options at the grocery, these are usually the least processed form available — meaning they contain all of the wonderful nutrients, prevent a blood sugar spike and keep you feeling full.
Rolled oats are steamed and rolled over and quick oats are steamed, rolled over and chopped up. This results in less work for your body — not a good thing when it comes to whole grains!
While steel-cut oats take longer to cook, it’s time well-spent. Plus, there are ways to increase efficiency. For example, make a big batch, divide it into multiple servings in mason jars and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy cold or warm. You can also grind up the carrots, add all ingredients to a saucepan and store in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply put the pan on the stove over medium heat and it takes about half the time to cook!
Finally, in a pinch, swap out steel-cut oats for rolled oats and the cooking time will only be 8-10 minutes.
Looking for other oatmeal options? Here’s some of our faves: Steel Cut Oats, Savory Oatmeal, Tropical Overnight Oats, Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, Chocolate Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal
We use this Food Processor
when grinding up the carrots. (Note this is an affiliate link).
Carrot Cake Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 3 carrots medium
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup almond milk unsweetened
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 T slivered almonds optional
- pure maple syrup optional
Instructions
- Add whole carrots to food processor. Process until no large chunks remain.
- Add processed carrots, oats, water, almond milk, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg to medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a slow boil, reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until oats are soft. Serve topped with raisins, slivered almonds and maple syrup (optional).
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