A Heart-Healthy Recipe to Help Manage Cholesterol: Slow Cooker Oatmeal
This post in sponsored by Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. Personal opinions and thoughts are my own.
Oatmeal steeped in cinnamon made in the slow cooker is luxuriously creamy and comforting.
High cholesterol runs in my family, so for me, it’s important to make smart food choices and exercise regularly. Starting the day off right with a heart-healthy breakfast is a great way to begin.
Did you know that healthy lifestyle choices can help manage cholesterol levels? To help my heart stay healthy, I love eating nutritious oatmeal, especially on chilly mornings.
This recipe is very similar to this Old-Fashioned Mexican Oatmeal (Avena) but instead of making it on the stovetop, it is made in a slow cooker.
Make smart food choices to help manage cholesterol
Did you know oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol? Oatmeal is a great make-ahead meal to have in your fridge all week long. Reheat and garnish with dried fruits, nuts, and chia or flax seeds for even more fiber.
Avoid saturated fats and trans fats
As a rule – try to avoid or limit saturated fats (which mainly come from animal-based foods) and trans fats (found in many processed foods made with partially hydrogenated oils) as they raise your LDL-C (bad) cholesterol. Trans fats are particularly unhealthy because they also reduce HDL-C (good) cholesterol.
Take a holistic approach to managing cholesterol
Cholesterol can be deceiving because you can’t see or feel it like some other conditions, but it can have serious consequences. If you have high cholesterol, work with your doctor on a cholesterol management plan that is right for you.
For some, diet and exercise are not enough to help manage high cholesterol, in which case a doctor may also prescribe medication to help get cholesterol to a healthy level. In any case, it’s important to stick with a healthy regimen, including taking your medication regularly and speaking to a doctor about any challenges you may be experiencing.
Eat heart healthy foods and exercise
We have all heard the saying – eat right and exercise. Eat heart-healthy foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. I know it is tempting to walk out the door in the morning with a bagel or doughnut, but consuming simple carbs on a regular basis is not the healthiest way to start the day.
In comparison, a fiber- and protein- rich breakfast may fend off hunger pangs for longer and provide you with more energy.
Exercise may also help to improve cholesterol. I usually go to the gym three days a week, but we should all try to exercise 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
Learn more about how to make heart-healthy choices at TakeCholesteroltoHeart.com/MuyBueno
How to make oatmeal in the slow cooker
- Combine the oats, water, and cinnamon sticks in a slow cooker. Give the oats a quick stir and then cover and set to low and cook on low for eight hours.
- Go to bed or walk away and avoid stirring while it cooks.
- Do not add milk or sugar to oatmeal in the slow cooker. Instead, serve with nonfat or low-fat milk, honey to sweeten as a natural option if necessary, and garnish with dried fruits (apricots, dates, plums, and raisins).
- Sprinkle with nuts and chia or flax seeds to add crunch and even more fiber.
Slow Cooker Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 2 cups rolled oats , old fashion rolled oats
- 3 cinnamon sticks
Honey, if needed
Nonfat or low-fat milk for serving
Dried fruits (apricots, dates, plums, and raisins) to garnish
Nuts and chia or flax seeds to garnish
Instructions
- Place the water, oats, and cinnamon sticks in a slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker. Cook on the low for 8 hours.
- Discard cinnamon sticks and gently stir the oats but avoid over stirring, as the oats will be incredibly creamy.
- Serve the oatmeal with milk, honey, or desired toppings.
Notes
Photography by Jenna Sparks
This post is sponsored by Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, and should not be construed to constitute medical advice. Personal opinions and thoughts are my own. I am not a medical professional and am not qualified to give medical advice. Please talk with your doctor about your individual medical situation.
