By Charlene Bazarian

Few foods rival the health benefits of oatmeal. Oats are a heart-healthy, nutrient-dense superfood that can not only help lower your cholesterol and blood sugar but are a great source of antioxidants and soluble fiber. Oats are filling, can improve your gut health, and help with weight loss. When it comes to oatmeal, it’s time to think outside the bowl!

Try these 6 more craveable creations worthy of Oatmeal, a powerhouse grain.

Cookies for breakfast!

Giant Oatmeal, Banana, Peanut Butter Breakfast Cookies

Recipe and photo courtesy of Sarah Gold Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN, owner of Sara Gold Nutrition @busy.mom.nutrition

• 1 large overripe banana, mashed
• 2 eggs
• 2 Tbsp ground flax
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2/3 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.

   Beat banana, eggs, flax, maple syrup, and vanilla until well blended.

2. Stir in oats, peanut butter, and baking soda until mixed. Stir in chocolate chips until evenly distributed through the batter. Do not overmix.
3. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop a heaping scoop of the batter onto a parchment-lined (or use a baking mat) baking sheet. Flatten the cookies down a bit with the back of the measuring cup.

   For smaller cookies, fill only half the measuring cup or use a heaping tablespoon.

4. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until cookies start to get a golden brown edge. Smaller cookies will need less baking time, so check after about 9-10 minutes. Remove from the baking sheet and let cool on a wire cooling rack. Store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Information: YIELD: 16SERVING SIZE: 1

Per serving: CALORIES: 232, TOTAL FAT: 12g, SATURATED FAT: 3g, TRANS FAT: 0g, UNSATURATED FAT: 7g, CARBOHYDRATES: 26g, FIBER: 4g, PROTEIN: 7g

Have a ball!

Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Balls

Recipe and photo courtesy of Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, an inclusive plant-based dietitian and owner of Master the Media in Stamford, CT. @amygorin

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups oats
• 1 cup almond butter
• 1/3 cup chia seeds
• 1 Tablespoon + ½ teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
• ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix oats, almond butter, chia seeds, 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder, pistachios, and vanilla extract with a spoon until well combined.
2. Roll into balls with hands, then place on parchment paper in an air-tight container.
3. Dust with remaining cocoa powder.

   Refrigerate or freeze for a few hours or overnight.

Nutrition Information: YIELD: 14 balls SERVING SIZE: 1

Per serving: CALORIES: 180, TOTAL FAT: 13g, SATURATED FAT: 2g, CARBOHYDRATES: 2g, FIBER: 12g, PROTEIN: 6g

Not your mother’s oatmeal!

High Protein PB&J Overnight Oats

Recipe and photo courtesy of Jacqueline Gomes, RDN, MBA @busy.woman.weightloss

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Planet Oat Unsweetened Oat Milk
• 2/3 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 container Fage plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• Toppings:
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
• 2 tablespoons unsalted peanuts crushed

Directions:

1. Combine oat milk, oats, yogurt, peanut butter, and chia seeds in a large bowl.
2. Divide the mixture between two bowls or glass jars. Cover, and refrigerate overnight.
3. When ready to enjoy, top each bowl with half the raspberries and crushed peanuts and enjoy!
4. TIP: If oats are too stiff, stir in additional oat milk.

Nutrition information: Yield 2 servings SERVING SIZE 1

329 calories; 34g carbohydrate; 15g fat; 20g protein; 7.5g fiber