Out of the many varieties to choose from—instant, rolled, Old Fashioned, and steel cut—my go-to oat variety is Old Fashioned. Not only do these oats match my personality—as some might say –but, they work well with my morning schedule (only 3 minutes to heat up in the microwave … thanks to the wonders above and Mother Nature for a quick, natural, healthy, and cheap breakfast!). Plus, I dig their texture. Old Fashioned oats are  hearty and semi-chewy. They’re more “gooey” than steel cut oats, but they’re not as “mushy” or “gummy” as “quick” rolled oats  or instant oats. Remember—this is only my personal preference.

If you’re wondering what the differences amongst these oats are, well—not too much. All oats are whole grains. The difference amongst them mostly boils down to texture, which depends on how much each oat was rolled or broken down before hitting the shelves. As you progress from steel cut oats—where the hulled oat kernel (aka oat groat)  has only been cut into two or three pieces—to instant oats—the oat becomes broken down into more pieces from the rolling process. Here, the oat groat is steamed, rolled, and re-steamed until it reaches its final thickness/size—and, finally … it’s toasted!!! This process breaks down the oat groat’s (I love saying “oat groat” !!!)  structured cell wall (cellulose aka the love of my life–fiber). Hence, the rolling or breaking down of the oat makes them softer, gummier, and quicker to cook.

In order of chewiest, nuttiest, heartiest oat to smooshiest, gummiest, stickiest oat is:

1. Steel Cut
2. Old Fashioned
3. “Quick” Rolled Oats
4. Instant Oatmeal

Nutritionally speaking, all oats are good for ya! They’re all whole grains! As long as you’re not  loading your shopping cart with the instant, sugar-filled varieties, you’re good as groats And, helping keep your heart healthy, weight stable, and stomach full until lunch time—who doesn’t want that?!? In my opinion, there’s nothing worse than eating breakfast and a couple hours later being S-T-A-R-V-I-N-G!!! Oats will keep ya satisfied and satiated!

Currently, my fav way to eat my oats is by cookin’ up 1/2 cup of Old Fashioned Oats and mixing it with Kashi’s Vive cereal—delish, high in fiber, and something to keep me lookin’ forward to the AM and powering on til the PM of 12 noon!

I know YOU all love your groats too! SO—drop a comment and share your FAVORITE oatmeal delish dish! There’s nothing more exciting than finding new creative ways to eat your oats!!!!

What’s your favorite way to eat your oats??