Oatmeal at Hoco with SPIN (Students Promoting Information about Nutrition)

At first thought, oatmeal may seem a bit mundane compared to the vast variety of foods that Hoco has to offer. It is not difficult to overlook some steel cut oats when everyone else is headed towards the chocolate chip pancakes, which can be a delicious treat on occasion. However, if a nutritious and filling breakfast is what you’re looking for, then you may want to give the oats a chance!
THE RECIPE:
Ingredients:
• Oatmeal
• Berries or any fruit you prefer
• Peanut butter
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Honey
• Sunflower seeds or sliced almonds
• Nutella
• Chocolate chips
Instructions:
Step 1: Begin at the front tray line at Hoco and scoop some oatmeal into a bowl. Cinnamon is placed beside the oatmeal, along with other condiments, and it goes really well with oats. Adding spices is an easy way to make a meal flavorful without adding extra sugar or fats.
Step 2: Now is the time to be inventive! Here are three different ideas to creating an oatmeal dish that is just right for you:
Classic Fruity Oatmeal
I. One option is oatmeal with fruit. You can head on over to the yogurt bar and scoop some blueberries or strawberries into your oats. Raisins or craisins are also a popular choice. Put in whatever fruits you love most.
II. While you are at the yogurt bar, you could also add a dollop of Greek yogurt for some added protein and calcium.
III. Now make your way over to the coffees and teas. There, you will find a big bottle of honey. Drizzling a little honey over your oatmeal will make it even tastier. Also, it has been found that eating honey and cinnamon together is great for your digestive system!
Protein Power Oatmeal
I. Protein power oatmeal would be a great post-workout meal or a protein packed breakfast to kick-off your day. The complex carbohydrates oatmeal provides act as fuel and will give you an energy boost. The protein elements that you can incorporate into your oats will be rejuvenating to your sore muscles.
II. If you make your way over to the assorted condiments by the breads, bagels and English muffins, you will find crunchy or smooth peanut butter. Add a tablespoon or two to your oatmeal for a delicious and creamier taste.
III. For a different texture and even more protein and fiber, grab some crunchy seeds or nuts to incorporate into your oats. Simple, easy and delicious!
Addicting Oats
I. Saving the best for last, this creation would be a great snack if you were in need of a pick-me-up.
II. Add some nutella, a hazelnut-chocolate spread, to your bowl of oats. Nutella should be placed right beside the oatmeal in the front tray line.
III. Now, walk over to the frozen yogurt machines and you will find a variety of froyo condiments. Grab the shaker of mini chocolate chips and give it a little (or big) shake. You can also add some peanut butter to this concoction if you like the taste of chocolate and peanut butter together. This would be the less healthy option of the three recipes but its decadent taste would certainly be good for your mental health. 
ABOUT SPIN:
SPIN (Students Promoting Information about Nutrition) is a nutrition peer education program at UNH Health Services
www.unh.edu/health-services/spin

[@Riveringot]

Thanks.