Oats and Other ‘Super Foods’

You may have heard oats called a “super food,” because they are so good for you. In fact, studies show 100% whole grain oats (like Coach’s Oats) may help lower cholesterol, promote healthy arteries and control blood pressure, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. That’s one powerful grain.

I’ve put together a short list of some other “super foods” that go perfectly with oats, so you can create ultra-healthy meals and snacks you and your family will love.



Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C and potassium. A good way to judge fruits and vegetables is by how colorful they are: the richer the colors the better. So enjoy blueberries with a host of other colorful “super food” fruits like raspberries, bananas, cranberries and oranges.

Oranges

Speaking of oranges, the importance of this tasty fruit can be summed up in two words: vitamin C. Oranges are chock-full of the stuff, which is thought to boost the immune system and is a powerful antioxidant. Oranges also boast potassium and soluble and insoluble fiber.

Yogurt

Studies indicate that the live cultures found in yogurt are good for the human digestive system. Yogurt also has even more calcium than milk, to help prevent osteoporosis. Stick with plain nonfat yogurt to reap the biggest health benefits and add flavor by mixing in frozen or fresh fruit.

Walnuts

Walnuts are relatively high in calories, so they should be used in moderation, but they’ve got lots of health benefits that make them worthwhile. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, as long its part of a diet that’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol and calories. Walnuts are also rich in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids – a.k.a. “good fat.”

Dark chocolate

Chocolate? Really? Well, it may not be a plate full of steamed broccoli, but dark chocolate does have some great benefits – such as tasting way better than that steamed broccoli. Dark chocolate with at least 60 percent cocoa content is relatively low in fat and sugar and high in antioxidants. If you want a super treat, this is the way to go.
Super combos

Mix and match “super foods” to create super-delicious, super-healthy meals and snacks. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Blueberries and raw Coach’s Oats mixed into nonfat yogurt
  • Cooked Coach’s Oats topped with walnuts, skim milk and a touch of brown sugar
  • Coach’s Oats oatmeal cookies baked with dark chocolate chunks
  • Fruit salad of berries, oranges and bananas
  • Dark chocolate chips stirred into hot Coach’s Oats
  • Berry-yogurt smoothie
  • Cooked Coach’s Oats topped with blueberries and raspberries
  • Yogurt-topped Coach’s Oats pancakes

 

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