Oats! You didn’t know it was National Oatmeal Cookie Day? Well since we’re on the topic, did you know oatmeal is one of the worlds’ healthiest foods? It’s “heart-friendly” (aka proven to lower cholesterol levels with its high-fibre content), and provides unique antioxidants that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by removing unhealthy cholesterol that would otherwise end up in your bloodstream. All that goodness packed into such a tiny package! Luvo explores the benefits of oatmeal in more detail in: Oatmeal: Your New Best Friend and 5 Foods To Perk You Up. How much better can it get? I’ll tell you how – with 7 super healthy oatmeal-inspired recipes!

1. Apple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
On this special day, we have to start off with this cookie recipe. If you’re a sucker for nut butter and apples, then these will be a fast favorite. Moist, crumbly, and with a hint of cinnamon, you’ll be transported to a time when all the leaves were turning red and golden, falling off the trees in preparation for winter.

2. Healthy Baked Oatmeal
If you’re tired of always having traditional oatmeal for breakfast, change it up a bit with this flourless, butterless delight. Naturally sweetened with applesauce and just a touch of brown sugar, moistened with yogurt and firmed with egg whites, this breakfast bake is filled with all kinds of energizing ingredients.

3. Customizable Granola Cups
Made from just six ingredients, these cups are not only fun to make, but also fun to eat! Vegan friendly and sweetened with applesauce or mashed bananas (or maybe even both!), you’ll be making a boatload of these cute cups. Plus, you can fill them with anything: yogurt, fruit, or even nutella if that’s how you roll.

4. No Bake Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites
If the words “no bake” didn’t catch your attention, then I’m sure “pumpkin spice” did. Packed with fall flavors and a healthy punch of natural ingredients, these bite-sized energy boosters will have you falling in love. Munch on flax and chia seeds, coconut flakes, and dried cranberries, and share them with all your health-loving friends.

5. Oatmeal Blender Pancakes
Step-up your pancake game by whipping these up! A fast family favorite with a texture to die for, go ahead and add that extra dollop of maple syrup guilt-free knowing how healthy these are. You can even add your own “zesty” touch, by adding fresh lemon juice, a touch of cinnamon and a topping of fresh fruit.

6. Choc-Covered Strawberry Overnight Oats
When healthy tastes delicious, you know you’ve found a winner – especially when breakfast tastes like dessert. Chunks of strawberries and raw chocolate chips are the perfect burst of flavor when you’re tucking into this recipe. You can even add a drizzle of honey or peanut butter to top your creation off!

7. Steel Cut Oatmeal with Quinoa
If you don’t feel like taking out your cooking utensils or getting your hands dirty, you have to try Luvos’ drool-worthy steel-cut oatmeal with quinoa and mixed fruits like peaches, apples, cranberries, coconut and pineapples – yum! Did we mention this is vegan friendly?

Which recipe is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below, or tweet us at @luvoinc.