With cooler weather just around the corner, oatmeal will once again be a staple breakfast food. Known for its cholesterol lowering abilities, oatmeal has additional benefits. One  half cup of uncooked oatmeal can cook into 1.5 cups of prepared oats. In that portion there are only 150 calories, but 5 grams of protein. Try out different types of oatmeal. Old fashioned oats are rolled and take 10-15 minutes of cooking but are less refined. Steel-cut oats are whole groats that are cut into pieces. These take 15-30 minutes to cook, but if you soak them overnight they only takes minutes to cook the next morning. Quick cook oats are great for busy mornings as they take less than 5 minutes to cook, but are more processed as a result.

What ever type of oatmeal you choose to use, you will be sure that the result is healthy and filling. Oatmeal can be boring to children, but it is easy to spice them up. We have collected five great recipes from around the internet to show you how to make your oatmeal unique.

1. Chocolate Oatmeal. Turn plain oatmeal into a luscious chocolate treat with cocoa powder or chocolate chips. Sweeten it with mashed banana for a healthier option.

[Source: chocolatecoveredkatie.com]

2. Strawberry Shortcake Oatmeal. Make your oatmeal shine with strawberries and yogurt. Use Greek yogurt for a huge addition of protein. Honey is used to sweeten this breakfast treat.

[Source: theoatmealartist.blogspot.ca]

3. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Buckwheat. This super filling oatmeal contains a secret ingredient- buckwheat. This little seed is not actually a grain, but rather a fruit. It is packed with fiber and has a nutty flavor. Find this super food in the bulk area at your grocery store.

[Source: wellness.wholefoods.com]

4. Quinoa Berry Oatmeal. Another great addition to oatmeal is quinoa. This is a seed from South America and is packed with protein. The little seeds puff up when cooked and a very interesting to look at. Their flavor is nutty and they have an interesting popping texture. Soak these overnight for best results in your oatmeal.

[Source: coconutandquinoa.com]

5. Baked Peaches and Cream Oatmeal. Not all oatmeal has to be cooked on the stove top or microwave. Try this baked version for a fluffy texture that everyone will love.

[Source: cookingwithmykid.com]