What are some good ways to add flavor to oatmeal without the calories?

I like adding cinnamin and I make my oatmeal with brewed tea like peach, but...that only adds so much flavor, any more low cal oatmeal suggestions? P.S. trying to avoid the splenda/sweetners in packaged oatmeal!

Original Post by shoshe:

How about adding some natural applesauce (one without sugar added)?

 

 

I love this.  Most mornings I do oatmeal with flax, wheat bran, apple sauce and cinnamon.

for about 30 extra calories, why not just buy the flavored kind? like apple cinnamon is 130 cals per bag.

I eat oatmeal a lot... usually I sweeten it with honey and add cinnamon or vanilla and top it off with some nuts and bananas. Its packed with protein and energy to get me through to lunch w/o dying of hunger.... :)

cook it in water and pinch of salt, serve with your fav low fat yogurt spread on top then a layer of thinly sliced  bananas/berries or apricots cooked apples (sauce) Now add some  dried fruit like a few rasins /cranberries  or 2 prunes for extra fiber.in small amounts only (they are higher in sugar). You can cook then in water for a min in microwave to soften if you like, it releases the flavour and smell is wonderful in the morning, then top with  very smalll amount  chopped nuts like 2 cashews,  macadamias, or a few almonds, or walnuts chopped. Match it to your fruit eg bananas and walnuts plus drizzle of maple honey or cranberries and macadamias with a drizzle of honey sprinkling of cinimmon etc

I use add ins to oats in small amounts, as its tends to go along way.

They say uncooked oats is th best for you.

Throw in 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder (plus some sweetener, if you don't like the bitter taste of pure cocoa), vanilla essense, almond essence, frozen berries, chai spice, black sesame powder, toasted coconut, pureed pumpkin, Walden Farms no cal chocolate syrup! Not all of these suggestions are calorie-free, but they will liven up your oatmeal :)

I eat oatmeal almost every morning for breakfast. I really liked the Chai spice idea. Would it work to steep chai tea and use that instead of water?

Also, diet hot cocoa mix in oatmeal is good and only 25 cals a pack.

My current faves are cocoa powder and pineapple.

I've also thought of putting cranberry sauce in my oatmeal, but haven't tried it yet. Has anyone ever done that before and was it good?

Hmm.... re:post #46, I'm not sure if steeping chai tea and using the water for your oatmeal will provide a huge amount of flavor but you can always try. For me, I like my foods to have a bold taste and not simply a "hint" of flavor.

cocoa... only 12 cal per tbsp

stevia

unsweetened almond breeze... only 40cal per cup

canned pumpkin... ~20 cal per 1/4 cup

egg whites... I used to always add 1/4cup egg whites to my oatmeal, more protein= xtra filling

cinnamon... so original, I know

cottage cheese

yogurt

cloves, nutmeg, all spice

fruit... strawberries, blueberries, raspberries

wheat bran... up the fiber!!

wheat germ... adds a nutty flavor

flax seed... good fats, fiber, and protein

natural nut butters... if you can afford the extra cals

cottage cheese + blueberries= blueberry cheesecake like taste!

..

or have you ever tryed making oatmeal pancakes?

its easy, just mix a serving of oatmeal with 1/4-1/2 cup of egg whites, a little baking powder, and your choice of seasonings.. and cook like a normal pancake

delish!! wholesome, hearty, very filling, and very good for you  (unlike regular pancakes) serve with SF syrup, fruit, yogurt, cottage cheese.. etc