What are some healthy ingrediants that can be added to Quaker Oatmeal to make it taste better? I was thinking of adding some honey, any other suggestions?
Also, the Oatmeal that already comes flavored is that healthy or a big no no? Like the Maple Spice Oatmeal?
Personally speaking, I would stay away from the flavored varieties.
I love plain oatmeal, primarily because I know the nutritional base I am starting with, and it allows the flexibility and control to add in my own ingredients dependent on my nutritional goal at the time, and flavor it with what I want, and thus controlling my nutritional base consumption.
If (for example), I am in a hurry in the morning and do not have time to make a breakfast I would prefer, I can get a nutritional push (when carbohydrates are post 100 grams), and nail down the big three by adding in Whey Chocolate Powder (25 grams Protein), and 1/2 serving of Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter (8 grams fat, 3-4 grams carbohydrates, 4-5 grams Protein), and a powder fiber supplement, to 2 servings of plain oatmeal (1 cup). Sometimes, I will add in grounded Walnuts, or Almonds, instead of NPB.
Here we have: 550 calories (approximately), 58 grams of Carbohydrates, about 30 grams of protein, and about 10 grams of good fats, and a small amount of fiber (15 grams, with the supplement). A more than adequate small meal packing a nutritional punch. A chocolate, NPB (or nutty) based oatmeal, just rocks. Additionally, this meal is going to take sometime to digest.
You can add in just about any flavor of Whey Protein Powder to plain Oatmeal: Strawberry, Vanilla, etc, to suit your taste preference. Add in various types of fruit, milk, flavored sugar free yogurt, natural fruit based Jelly, etc, etc.
The point here, is that plain oatmeal is flexible, and can suit nearly any taste preference, if one uses their imagination with food items around the house. Personally, I do not add in Honey, refined sugar, or other fructose based items (not that I am saying anything is wrong with honey), because I do not want the added in variable element effecting my blood glucose levels or Insulin response, that this oatmeal combination will normally provide by itself (personal preference).
Best regards,
Chillen