Whole-Foods-Market-ArroyoNational Oatmeal Day is a time when we pay tribute to the humble oat. This breakfast standard often gets a bad rap for being mushy and bland but oatmeal doesn’t have to be that way. Enjoy new ways to eat your oatmeal and it may just become your new brunch standard. Granite, muffins, oat pancakes, the options are endless…

Take your oatmeal to the next level and enjoy this gluten-free grain three ways, with minimal effort.

1. Lazy Breakfast

There is no longer any excuse to skip the most important meal of the day. Simply soak an equal amount of oats and water in overnight in the fridge and enjoy the next morning without any stove-time. Top this no-hassle breakfast with cinnamon, brown sugar and a banana or add blueberries and toasted pecans if you really want to get fancy.

Better yet, soak a pre-flavored oatmeal packet overnight for a convenient grab-n-go breakfast.

2. Oatmeal Cookies

Even though these cookies are made of oatmeal, it may not be the best move to eat them for breakfast. Oatmeal cookies are typically made with raisins and cinnamon but there’s no reason why you should limit your creativity. Try chocolate chip oatmeal cookies or peanut butter oatmeal cookies for a satisfying treat.

The cookie recipe on the back of Trader Joe’s Whole Rolled Oats is a sure-fire success even for the most novice bakers out there.

3. Smoothie Boost

If you’re not in the mood to cook, you can blend oats into your morning smoothie for added fiber and fullness. Make it a power smoothie by adding cocoa, chia seeds or flax seeds and never skip breakfast again. Oats are a hearty addition will help you power through tough mornings.

Visit Whole Foods Pasadena on Arroyo Parkway or Trader Joe’s on Colorado Blvd, Arroyo Parkway or Mission Street for good-for-you prepackaged oatmeals and the chewy oatmeal cookies of your dreams.

Cozy up to your new favorite breakfast food and tell us your favorite way to eat oatmeal in the comments on Facebook!