OATMEAL POWER

With a bit of milk and the toppings of your choice, oatmeal can be your go-to morning staple for a filling, healthy breakfast.

- BY ERIN ALDERSON, KATIE PARKER AND MATTHEW THOMPSON

There's nothing like a bowl of wholesome, fiber-rich oatmeal to start your morning on a cold day. Oatmeal is a satisfying, healthy morning meal. It's a whole grain—something most Americans don't eat often enough. It is high in soluble fiber, which may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and has 6 grams of protein in a 1-cup serving, per the USDA, which will go a long way to helping you feel satisfied until lunch. Here are cooking methods for the most common types of oatmeal. Use these instructions to prepare one serving of oatmeal, or follow the package directions. One serving of each type of oatmeal (prepared with water) is about 150 calories, according to the USDA.

HOW TO MAKE OATMEAL

Quick-Cooking Oats

Also known as quick oats, quick-cooking oats have been precooked, then dried and rolled. As the name suggests, they have a short cooking time and are sometimes labeled "instant oats" or "instant oatmeal."

STOVETOP

1. Bring 1 cup of milk or water and a pinch of salt (if desired) to a boil in a small saucepan.

2. Stir in 1/2 cup of oats and reduce heat to medium; cook for 1 minute.

3. Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes.

MICROWAVE

1. Combine 1 cup of water (or nonfat or low-fat milk), ½ cup of oats and a pinch of salt (if desired) in a 2-cup microwavable bowl.

2. Microwave on high for 1½ to 2 minutes.

3. Stir before serving.

Old-Fashioned Oats

These oats have been steamed and then rolled. They are sometimes labeled “rolled oats.” For a creamier texture, use milk.

STOVETOP