Monday, October 1, 2012

Oatmeal Yes and No

I was asked today if Oatmeal is Gluten Free.  Is it?  Yes and No.  Oats are gluten free, however they are handled and grown in the same fields and processing centers as other grains. I buy gluten free oats, the Bob's Red Mill brand, I can get it in my grocery store or buying club.

Is oatmeal good for you?  Yes and No.  Oatmeal is nutritious if prepared correctly.  If you are not soaking your oatmeal, don't eat it every day.  Grains that are prepared improperly bind up the nutrients and also damage the gut lining. 

Oatmeal is a carbohydrate, so if you are over weight and you eat oatmeal, eat it with lots of butter and/or coconut oil.  Try to add as little sweetner as you can.  I like oatmeal with maple syrup, butter, coconut oil and blueberries.  I don't eat oatmeal for breakfast, I eat eggs. 

If I don't eat oatmeal, why do I buy it? I use the gluten free oatmeal as the bread crumbs when I make meatloaf or meatballs. My daughter uses oatmeal to make no-bake cookies.