Oatmeal Pancakes

i have been meaning to try oatmeal pancakes for some time now. they seem to be the mainstay of clean eating breakfasts along with oatmeal and plain yogurt with fruit. i guess i have been putting it off because i didn't really think i would like them. i like oatmeal, but i don't love oatmeal. seems like most of the blogs i read, everyone is crazy about oatmeal. as in, i-eat-oatmeal-every-morning crazy about oatmeal. i couldn't eat the same thing every morning let alone oatmeal. i am always trying to find ways to get more oatmeal into my diet though since it's so good for me.

now let me clarify, when i say oatmeal, i mean old fashioned rolled oats or even quick oats but plain oatmeal, not the oatmeal that comes in a package and is filled with flavors (i.e. sugar).

oatmeal has some great benefits to you and your body. oats are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. so, what's the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber? glad you asked. i fell like i have read this many times before but never really "got it". here's the breakdown:

basically, soluble fiber is soluble in water. meaning, when it's mixed with water it forms a gel-like substance and swells. soluble fiber has many benefits, including moderating blood glucose levels and lowering cholesterol.

insoluble fiber does not absorb or dissolve in water - it passes through our digestive system in close to its original form. insoluble fiber offers many benefits to intestinal health, including a reduction in the risk and occurrence of colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, and constipation.

oats are also a good source of many vitamins and nutrients including vitamin e, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium. and, oats are also a good source of protein! which means you will stay fuller, longer because of the slower digestion and because of the protein.

so, what are some other ways to eat oatmeal instead of the traditional water and oats (i.e. boring and bland). oatmeal pancakes!

i used oats, eggwhites, mashed bananas, and ground flaxseed.

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Oatmeal Pancakes
(makes 3 medium pancakes)

1/3 c quick oats*
1/3 c eggwhites
1 tsp agave nectar
1 tsp ground flaxseed
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 mashed banana (optional - you could also add pumpkin puree, blueberries, choc chips - really anything!)

* note: you can use old fashioned oats, just let sit in the egg white for 15 mins to soften.

1. mix together all ingredients in a small bowl (i used a measuring cup so it would be easier to pour).

2. preheat a skillet, spray with non-stick spray, and pour enough batter in to make the size pancake desired.

 3. when you can shake it around in the pan and it starts to bubble, it’s time to flip.

once cooked through, top with desired toppings. syrup, peanut butter, pumpkin, fresh fruit, maple syrup, or anything you have on hand that looks good.

i put some maple butter on one and some cinnamon honey on the other. i had my 2 pancakes with some raspberries. i know it's not really berry season but the raspberries have looked to good at wegmans recently. how could i resist these?

the third pancake i gave to E and he topped with maple syrup.

these turned out so good! E even asked how these were difference than what i usually make? that's a good sign if he couldn't tell the difference, right? these pancakes taste close to the traditional ones with so many more health benefits. egg whites (more protein), bananas, and flaxseed, these pancakes are packed with good-for-you ingredients and it's super easy to make. it didn't take me any longer that making a bowl of oatmeal would. you have to try these!