6 New Ways to Top Your Oatmeal

Don't settle for boring oats. Top your carb- and fiber-rich oatmeal with these sweet or savory toppings for a tasty nutritional boost.

HOW TO DISH IT OUT
First, use steel-cut oats. They are less processed than other oats, so they have a lower glycemic index, which keeps blood sugar (and energy) at a steady level. Cook 1 cup steel-cut oatmeal according to package directions. When the oatmeal is cooked, add mix-ins to the pot and stir until heated through. Divide the oatmeal into four bowls and garnish each serving with toppings. (Here's how you can Quick-Cook Your Steel-Cut Oats.)

It tastes indulgent, but this guilt-free combo provides antioxidants (from dark chocolate), potassium (from banana), and heart-healthy fat, thanks to the crunchy hazelnuts.

RELATED: Discover more amazing recipes with The Runner's World Cookbook!

STIR INTO THE POT
¼ cup reduced-fat milk
1 banana, mashed
2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
½ tablespoon instant espresso powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

TOP EACH SERVING WITH
1 tablespoon chopped hazelnuts
1 tablespoon dried cherries

Per serving: 328 calories, 51 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 9 g protein, 12 g fat

A splash of coconut milk adds creamy sweetness, while mango packs plenty of vitamin C, which can help lower blood pressure. Cacao nibs have great chocolaty crunch and good amounts of dietary fiber to keep you feeling full all morning long.

STIR INTO THE POT
⅓ cup canned coconut milk
2 tablespoons coconut sugar or packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

TOP EACH SERVING WITH
½ cup chopped mango
1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
1 tablespoon cacao nibs

Per serving: 343 calories, 54 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 9 g protein, 13 g fat

Blueberries pack more flavonoid antioxidants, which work to fortify heart health, than almost any other fruit. Choose organic berries when you can–studies show they contain higher concentrations of antioxidants than conventionally grown varieties.

STIR INTO THE POT
⅓ cup reduced-fat milk
1 cup blueberries
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

TOP EACH SERVING WITH
⅓ cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon chopped almonds
1 teaspoon honey


Per serving: 298 calories, 44 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 17 g protein, 8 g fat

Bacon and apples combine for a sweet and savory bowl. Cheese provides a dose of bone-building calcium, while recent research shows polyphenol anti-oxidants in apples can help lower cholesterol.

STIR INTO THE POT
⅓ cup apple cider
1 apple, chopped
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

TOP EACH SERVING WITH
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 slice cooked bacon, crumbled
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts

Per serving: 408 calories, 45 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 17 g protein, 20 g fat

Pumpkin adds natural sweetness and beta-carotene, a key anti-oxidant for immune health. Pure maple syrup–particularly the darker varieties–is a source of additional antioxidant firepower.

STIR INTO THE POT
¼ cup reduced-fat milk
½ cup canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

TOP EACH SERVING WITH
1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts
1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut flakes
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup

Per serving: 285 calories, 42 g carbs, 7g fiber, 8 g protein, 12 g fat

Savory oatmeal makes a great lunch or dinner. Lean ham and eggs pack protein to satisfy your hunger, while spinach contains nitrates that improve muscle functioning during exercise.

STIR INTO THE POT
⅓ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
3 cups baby spinach
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

TOP EACH SERVING WITH
1 ounce Black Forest ham, chopped
1 fried egg
1 teaspoon chopped chives
Dash of hot sauce

Per serving: 320 calories, 32 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 21 g protein, 14 g fat

Want more great breakfast options to fuel your runs? You can prep a great meal any time of day (in less time!) with the 30-minutes-or-less recipes found in our new cookbook, Meals on the Run!