Celebrate National Oatmeal Month!

What's more satisfying than a bowl of hot oatmeal on a chilly winter morning? January is National Oatmeal Month! Oats are a whole grain and a good source of fiber (4 grams per 1/2 cup). The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that women should consume at least 25 g of total fiber each day, while men should consume at least 38 g a day. Oatmeal is a fast and delicious source to boost your fiber intake. Part of the fiber in oats is soluble fiber, which helps reduce cholesterol. Be careful of instant oatmeal! It is often loaded with sugar, food colorings and salt. If you like the convenience, opt for the plain variety, then add sugar or flavorings to control the amounts. All varieties of oats (instant, regular/rolled, steel-cut) are whole grains with practically the same nutrition stats, so enjoy whichever kind you like best!