Oct 13, 2009

Oatmeal Bars?

Earlier this year, when I went to the eye doctor to get my contacts and glasses refreshed, the doc indicated that I had cholesterol rings in my eyes, something he is used to seeing in people in their 50's. My cholesterol is borderline, in the low 2oo's, but this still was a shot across the bow.

He indicated that oatmeal has been shown to reduce cholesterol, including LDL (bad) cholesterol. The reason is that it contains soluble fiber, which appears to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Oat fiber also helps improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. And as if that was not enough, oats contain phytochemicals that help reduce the risk for heart disease and have other health benefits.


Not a big fan of early morning breakfast, I have been taking oatmeal square to work 3 of 4 times a weak. While not expensive (about $0.50 each), they are pre-packaged and have preservatives in them. I found a recipe for Peanutty Oatmeal Bars that I have asked Beth to give a try, and we will go from there.


If you are interested, here is the recipe:


1 cup cooked oatmeal

1 cup crunchy peanut butter

1 medium egg

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup chocolate chips (we will skip these)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an eight-by-eight-inch-square baking pan,. Mix all of the ingredients together, and spread in the pan. Bake 30 minutes. Cool for about 15 minutes, then cut into squares.

9 comments:

  1. Oatmeal has long been the meal of choice when it comes to a snack food for me. Now with all the flavors in the instant variety, it makes it even easier to eat oatmeal, IMO!!

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  2. I have heard that oatmeal is good for making the hair shine ~ and so good for lots of other things as well ~ I love porridge and have it every morning Summer and Winter ~ so maybe I am doing something right ~ I have noted the recipe and will have a go at making them ~ I will be interest to know how Beth gets on with them ~Ally x

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  3. I got the "fixins" I needed to get today, so we'll see how ambitious I feel this afternoon. :)

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  4. Hi Ken,
    Your doctor is absolutely right about the benefits of oatmeal. Try adding ground flaxseed to it ... that also helps ... and make sure the oatmeal you're using is whole grain, otherwise, you're not getting the full benefit.
    Best,
    Marty

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  5. My mom makes these or something very close to them. I hate to say it but they taste like paper. I hope you like them though!

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  6. i live on oatmeal when money is tight. your way sounds WAY more tasty and less like poor people grub.

    xxalainaxx

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  7. I went on oatmeal overload when I first found out my cholesterol is high.. now I have a hard time facing the stuff. I also read somewhere (?) that our American "rolled oats" are an overly processed version of the natural product, and that for the most benefit, one should eat Irish style "steel cut" oats. They are actually much nuttier, have a bit mroe texture to them, and are not so gluey and gloppy.
    Problem is.. they take about 30 minutes to cook!

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  8. Oh that sounds delicious. I love oatmeal cookies. However I am trying to loose weight so I stray away from them.

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  9. Yummy! That recipe sounds delicious. Stan and I love oatmeal cookies. Enjoy!

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