Healthy Chef Devin Alexander’s Food for Thought
Los Angeles chef, Devin Alexander, gives us one more reason to 
smile about oatmeal:
Oats n’ Happiness
Did you know that oatmeal is a stress reducer? Well it is. It contains carbohydrates that tell our bodies to produce more serotonin, which has been proven to keep us calmer and can positively affect our mood.
For years, oatmeal has been one of my favorite go-to foods because it is not only high in fiber and just plain good for you but it’s also so adaptable. From my Orange Pound Cake Oatmeal to Chocolate Peanut Butter “Pudding”, I have so many different ways to use it in a jiffy beyond just a yummy breakfast. And of course, eating oatmeal is a great way to start off your day but why not try it for an afternoon snack as well? When you’re feeling tense and need that extra push to get through the end of the day, oatmeal just might do the trick.
Los Angeles chef. Best selling author of The Biggest Loser Cookbook, The Biggest Family Loser Cookbook, Fast Food Fix, The Most Decadent Diet Ever. Host of the FitTV show “Healthy Decadence with Devin Alexander.”
Why do you love oats?? What are your favorite oatmeal toppings?
Loooove oatmeal! It’s probably one of my favorite breakfasts (once I knew how to make it the right way!) I use regular cooking oats, add double the amount of liquid in milk/water (for extra volume), 1/2 a banana and top it with seeds, some raisins, a little peanut butter, and some dark chocolate chips if I’m craving something sweet. Can’t wait to add pumpkin to my oats for autumn!
I love my oats the same way as you! I add a bit of vanilla extract, too.
Yum, I love love love oats!
I like to mix in a banana and some chopped up almond with a little honey and cinnammon!
I love oatmeal and oatbran. favorite topping? Almond butter and berries!
I LOVE oats – every day – can’t get old
Love both PBs (peanut butter and pumpkin butter!), bananas, chia seeds, peaches — not all together of course but a lil’ mix n match! Devin’s got it right with the double liquid theory, I always like to do that and just cook a bit longer, nothing worse than dry oats plus you seem to get ‘more’ doing it this way?! I’ve watched her show a few times too, pretty good.
her bowl of oats sounds perfect to me
Oh oatmeal – I love it too!! My fave toppings are coconut, peanut butter, dried cranberries and chocolate chips. I love how there are a million different ways to enjoy it!
I must be the only person who isn’t in love with oatmeal, I think it’s the gooey texture. Though, if I’m going to eat it, I mix in banana, pb, and cinnamon. I also like putting some granola on top – adding some crunch helps me out with my texture issue!
How interesting that it affects mood! I love almond butter, banana, and a few chocolate chips!
you know I love my oatskis! I love all sorts of mix-ins but PB is vital!
I love oatmeal too! There is always always always a mashed banana and a spoonful of peanut butter in mine. In the summer I like adding berries and coconut flakes. In the fall and winter I like adding pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice . . . maybe some craisins too
Oatmeal is the best! I love it savory, sweet and any day and any time. It truly is the food I could have every single day and I wouldn’t get sick of it.
i still need to try savory oats!
I think my fav. oatmeal combo is thinly sliced apple with lots of cinnamon, raisins and almonds. I know, it;s not that exciting, but it never disappoints!
Oh, I love Devin’s show on FitTV! I love oats because they’re SO versatile! I once went through the entire alphabet with different oatmeal toppings. (It’s under the Alphabet Oats Challenge on my blog, if you’re interested). Anyway, oatmeal is one of nature’s most perfect foods, in my opinion:)
what a creative idea, i’ll have to check it out and try some out…i’ve run out of good ideas, i feel like i’ve tried everything!
growing up as a child, i had to be force-fed oats. i never liked the way my gramma prepared it (sorry gramma) cos she just used water/milk and oats.. she made me eat them cos i was really tiny, and not growing well.. when she started feeding me oats, i grew- not fat, but the right size, and healthier i suppose. But from then, i never did like oats cos of the experience.. So far, i’ve only come to like toasted oats, even the ones in the instant packet, i toasted them-and voila, granola! Sorry oat lovers.. i’m not one.. but i think i;ll try soon cos i’ve seen so many food bloggers rave about it!