One of the best things about the Oatmeal diet is the variety. There is everything from instant quick oats, whole oats, old fashioned oats and instant Oatmeal. The instant Oatmeal varieties provide the same nutritional values as all natural in most cases while flavored Oatmeal may contain additional sugar and dried fruit. There are also Oatmeal granola bars, breakfast cookies available and breakfast bars available.
Cooking time and procedures vary slightly according to the type of grain, and whether it is a instant or regular variety. Prepare hot cereal with milk or water, and follow the directions on the package or add dried fruit, chopped walnuts, or crushed flaxseeds to hot cereal, or top cooked cereal with fresh fruit. Combine several varieties of grain for maximum flavor and nutrition. Although best known as a breakfast food, hot cereal can be enjoyed in the afternoon or evening too.