My 5 Reasons to Eat Steel Cut Oats
I've been cooking with Steel Cut Oats a lot lately and I need everyone to feel the same love as I do, so here we are. They can be a little intimidating but if you talk to them nicely and buy them cute things, they are awesome. Same here.
WHAT EXACTLY ARE STEEL CUT OATS?
Steel cut oats are a groat of whole oats that are typically cut into two or three pieces. Further processing creates what we are use to eating, rolled or old fashioned oats. A thicker oat, like steel cut means a chewier, nuttier and more flavorful oat. They have almost the exact nutritional value as rolled oats, so it's really just preference.
Grains are the fruits and seeds of cereal grasses. They are very durable and can be kept for long periods. However, raw grains can not be properly digested. This is where the different varieties come in. They can be rolled, cracked, puffed or ground.
Refined Grains
Years ago, we learned that whole grains could be stripped of their nutrient rich bran and germ. This would eliminate the grains from spoiling, thus allowing them to be kept almost indefinitely. This is a refined grain. Today, the majority of Americans consume some kind of refined grain at each meal. Pastry, pasta, bread, pretzels, cakes, etc...
WHOLE GRAINS DECREASE THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE, DIABETES AND CANCER. REFINED GRAINS LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRONIC DISEASE. EASY DECISION.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain fiber, a necessity for our health. They also contain resistant starch or "prebiotics". They are also full of vitamins and minerals. But we have to eat the WHOLE grain. Try: Steel cut oats, rolled oats, buckwheat, barley, wild rice, brown rice, bulgar
I have started rearranging my husbands nutrition lately because he has been having spikes in his blood sugar. He is pre-diabetic and “normal” triggers don’t effect him, so I’ve made it my mission to figure him out. If you know him, I am well aware that you just laughed out loud because he can’t be figured out. But I am giving it a valiant effort with his nutrition. Anyway, he needs something solid for breakfast that won’t spike his numbers way up and leave him starving before lunch because he can only eat at certain times at work. He loved my version of Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal from Eating Bird Food but he needs variety. We have also finally got him to eat a freaking yogurt! He refused for a solid year but he found one that he will tolerate ONLY if it has my homemade granola. I need to post my granola soon! I adapted a recipe from Kara over at Life Well Lived. Annyyywwwaaayyyy, I add Steel Cut Oats in the mix for variety. We both love them and they don’t spike his numbers at all!
My top reasons to love Steel Cut Oats
They have fiber (TONS) and their content is classified as soluble fiber, which has been linked to lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol, it promotes satiety (fullness), lowers blood pressure, and can lower your risk for heart disease.
They are a low glycemic food (do not spike blood glucose) and is a great option for Diabetic patients.
They contain protein. Everyone needs a good protein in the morning!
They are full of vitamins and good stuff! (Manganese, Phosphorus, Magnesium, B1 or Thiamin, Zinc and several more)
They are naturally gluten free.
I make mine at night with a little lactose free milk (you can use regular but we just drink that), dash of salt and dash of cinnamon. I portion out for the next few mornings and it’s that simple! You do have to cook a little longer than regular oatmeal and I do recommend a good brand if possible. I normally buy Bobs Red Mill or grab some in the bulk bin at Sprouts.
I encourage you to try them! Let me know what you think as well in the comments.
Love,
Molly
Hey there!
I’m Molly, a fitness and nutrition coach for busy professionals who want to gain back their energy, feel stronger, and fit into their old clothes again.
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