Is oatmeal for breakfast healthy?

Whether it's steel-cut or rolled, quick-cooking or instant, oatmeal is good for you , experts say—with a few caveats. Oatmeal is rich in fiber, which promotes fullness, eases the insulin response, and benefits gut health. It's also a source of vitamins B and E, and minerals such as magnesium.

Is oatmeal good for you in Harvard?

 -- Eating a small bowl of oatmeal may be the secret to a longer life , a large new study suggests. Harvard University researchers reviewed two large studies that followed more than 100,000 people who were periodically quizzed about what they ate and how they lived for more than 14 years.

Is there a downside to eating oatmeal?

Oats can cause gas and bloating . To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away.

Which is better for breakfast, eggs or oatmeal?

For four weeks, participants had either two eggs or a packet of oatmeal as part of their breakfast. The breakfasts didn't lead to different cholesterol levels, but breakfasts with two eggs were reported to be more satisfying than breakfasts with oatmeal.

Do oats spike blood sugar?

Eating oatmeal can spike blood sugar levels if you choose instant oatmeal with added sugar or consume too much at once .

Does oatmeal clean your gut?

Whole grains are rich in fiber and will help to cleanse the colon . Oats, oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa are all great sources. Try to incorporate 3 – 5 servings per day into your meals. Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and most leafy greens are fiber-dense and are always healthy choices.

What does eating oatmeal every morning do to your body?

Oats are high in antioxidants called avenanthramides, not found in other cereal grains. These antioxidants reduce inflammation and relax arteries, improving heart health . The soluble fiber in certain oats can keep blood sugar from rising after a meal.

What is the healthiest breakfast to have?

The healthiest breakfast foods include a protein, healthy fat and source of carbohydrates, according to Smolen. For a healthy breakfast, consider eating foods like oatmeal with nut butter, avocado toast with an egg, chia seed pudding or a greek yogurt parfait with nuts and berries .

What is the healthiest way to eat oatmeal for breakfast?

3. Add a protein boost . Top your oatmeal with nuts, seeds, or even cooked quinoa to get more protein in every bite. A breakfast high in protein can help you stay full longer and keep cravings at bay.

Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies - Clean Plate Mama- Breakfast (2024)

Published: Apr 4, 2017 · Modified: Jul 6, 2022 by Sara · This post may contain affiliate links

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Healthy oatmeal breakfast cookies made with nutrient dense ingredients like whole grain oats, almond flour, and flaxseeds. These are gluten free, dairy free, with an option for vegan. Great for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or a tasty and healthy snack.

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Who doesn’t want a cookie for breakfast?! These healthy oatmeal breakfast cookies have a soft and fluffy texture and are hearty, filling, and perfect for an easy breakfast. But don’t be fooled by the name “cookie,” they make a nutritious snack as well.

Loved by kids and adults. Plus, the recipe is easy enough to make that kids can help out or make them entirely. And I love that they are completely freezer friendly, so I always double the batch so I have lots for freezing for quick breakfasts in the morning.

Food prepping healthy breakfasts in a busy house is a must. For more food-prep breakfast items, check out these chocolate baked oats, gluten-free waffles, pancakes with oat flour, protein overnight oats, chia seed pudding bowls, and almond flour blackberry muffins.

What to Love About This Recipe

No added sugar, no refined oils, or refined flours
Made in one bowl
Customizable
Gluten free, dairy free, and can be made vegan
No peanut butter
Loved by toddlers and kids!

Ingredients

Eight simple and wholesome ingredients is all you need for these oatmeal breakfast cookies. Amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Rolled oats/old-fashioned oats (certified gluten free if needed)
Almond flour (not almond meal)
Flaxseed meal/ground flaxseeds
2 overripe bananas (I like using previously frozen bananas as they provide more liquid and are sweeter)
Coconut oil
Eggs (room temp)
Pure vanilla extract
Chocolate chips (optional)

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How to Make Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

Add rolled oats, almond flour and ground flaxseeds to a large mixing bowl and combine.
Push dry ingredients off to the side and add mashed banana, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla.
Whisk wet ingredients first and then fully mix in with dry ingredients.
Fold in chocolate chips (or any other desired add-ins).
Using a large spoon, or a cookie scoop, scoop dough into roughly 2” mounds onto a cookie sheet that’s been lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly into round cookie shapes. Note that cookies won’t spread/change shape. You should get about 10 cookies.
Bake at 350 degrees F 18-20 minutes, or until lightly browned on edges.
Allow to cool slightly and remove from pan. Enjoy these healthy oatmeal breakfast cookies!

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Suggested Add-ins & Variations

The base of these cookies can be used for many different variations. Try some of these to switch things up!

Add in ¼ to ½ cup of your favorite chopped nuts (walnuts would be amazing) or your favorite seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

Add ½ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut.

Make these blueberry breakfast cookies by swapping the chocolate chips for fresh or dried blueberries (or any of your favorite berries).

Try adding 1 tsp. cinnamon and a chopped apple for apple cinnamon breakfast oatmeal cookies.

Tips for the Best Cookies

Use room temperature eggs to keep the melted coconut oil from solidifying when mixed in with the wet ingredients.

Scoop almond flour when measuring. Don’t pack almond flour – you’ll end up using too much and will have dry cookies.

Use a spring loaded cookie scoop for evenly sized and shaped cookies.

Use previously frozen bananas. They have more liquid and add more natural sweetness to these healthy oatmeal breakfast cookies.

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FAQS

How can I make these vegan?

Sub flax eggs for the eggs. For each egg, combine 1 tbsp. flaxseed meal with 3 tbsp. of water and let sit for 5 minutes. And if using chocolate chips, make sure they are dairy free.

Storage Guidelines

These oatmeal breakfast cookies should be stored in an air-tight container and will stay good at room temp for up to 3 days. To extend the shelf life by a couple of days, store in the refrigerator.

These also freeze great and will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months, so go on and double the batch and freeze some for later. If frozen, defrost at room temp, or throw in the microwave for 30-40 seconds.

More Breakfast Recipes!

Peach Banana Smoothie
Cranberry Apple Breakfast Cookies (gluten and dairy-free)
Dairy-free Vegetable Frittata (gluten free)
Paleo Almond Flour Donuts

If you make this recipe, please let me know what you think! I would so appreciate you leaving a star rating and/or comment below. And don't forget to share a photo on Instagram or Facebook and mention @CleanPlateMama!

Eat Clean.Be Well!
-Sara