Steel-Cut Oats

A warm and cozy bowl of oatmeal makes the perfect comfort food breakfast on a chilly morning. But the soothing effects are more than psychological. Oats are a healthy, whole-grain source of carbohydrates, which stimulate production of serotonin, a feel-good hormone that helps you relax. All varieties of oats are great, but I particularly love steel-cut because they’re minimally processed and cause a slow, steady rise in blood sugar — a definite advantage for regulating mood. Try my recipe for Slow Cooker Steel-Cut Oats. Start them the night before and they’re ready and waiting when you wake up the next morning!