Are you trying to shed a few pounds? Are you looking for a healthier breakfast food than sugary cereals? If so, oatmeal is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal, and it can also help you to lose some weight. While oatmeal is not a miraculous weight loss food, it does have tons of weight loss benefits. Needless to say, it’s good for your health as well.
My friends claim that I’m obsessed with oatmeal, while my boyfriend finally gave up and started eating oatmeal with me. Okay, I cook many delicious meals so don’t think he doesn’t have a choice. He simply wanted to figure out why I’m an oh-so huge oatmeal lover and… guess what? Now when my significant other wakes up he expects me to make some oatmeal. Even my niece, who’s a big pasta fan, enjoys eating oatmeal. You probably know how it’s hard to get a picky eater to eat oatmeal.
After a great number of researches and long experiments, I found out oatmeal can help people who suffer from obesity and weight gain. This super food can also help those who are trying to keep their weight off or improve their health. Here’s how oatmeal can help you reach your weight loss goals:
1. Oatmeal is a good source of fiber
A diet that is high in fiber can assist with weight loss, and oats contain more soluble fiber than other whole grains. Each serving of oatmeal containing a half a cup of uncooked oats will contain four grams of fiber. Soluble fiber found in oatmeal digests slower, keeping you fuller longer. This means eating a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast will give you plenty of energy and keep you satisfied until lunch.
2. Oatmeal leaves you feeling full
According to a study by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, oatmeal was found to leave research participants feeling more satisfied and less hungry than participants who ate a breakfast cereal. Both breakfasts totaled 363 calories, but the group that ate the oatmeal could go significantly longer after their meal without feeling like they needed to eat again.
3. Oatmeal has less sugar than many breakfast cereals
When compared to other breakfast cereals, oatmeal has much lower sugar content. However, plain oatmeal may not be that appetizing, so healthy breakfast eaters can dress up their morning meal with fruit and nuts. This gives the oatmeal more nutrients and flavor while keeping the sugar content low. You can also add a little bit of honey or cocoa to make your oatmeal more delicious.
4. Oatmeal is a low calorie food
On its own, oatmeal is low in calories and fat, and a typical serving of a half a cup of uncooked oats contains only 150 calories and 3 grams of fat. Therefore, eating oatmeal each day for breakfast will make it easy for you to stay within your calorie needs and to lose weight.
5. Oatmeal is a good source of protein
By making oatmeal with soy or regular milk, you can add protein to your meal. Protein is a vital part of a weight-loss plan because it offers a satiating effect and will leave you feeling full for longer. Oats has 7 grams of protein per half cup, making oatmeal an excellent protein source, especially when combined with other protein-rich foods like plain yogurt, chia seeds, berries, or flax seeds.
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6. Oatmeal is safe for people with gluten sensitivity
If you are trying to lose weight but have a gluten sensitivity, oatmeal is a good addition to your diet. Studies show that people with celiac disease can eat wheat-free oats without a problem, and this can be a good addition to a gluten-free weight loss plan.
7. Oatmeal gives you energy
This is actually the major reason why I’m in love with oatmeal. A bowl of oatmeal is a great way to get your day started on the right foot. The high amount of protein and fiber in this breakfast meal will give you the energy you need to continue your weight loss efforts throughout the day. It’s also a healthy bedtime meal.
8. Oatmeal helps to boost the immune system
If you are feeling under the weather, it is easy to skip your workout or to fall back into a pattern of eating unhealthy foods. Fortunately, oatmeal contains beta-gluten that has been shown to boost the immune system, improving your overall health.
9. Oatmeal can help your heart
Exercise is an important part of any weight loss plan, and in order to be healthy enough to exercise you will need to have a good heart. By adding oatmeal to your diet, you can ensure that your heart is healthy enough for physical activity. According to a study by Harvard University, men who enjoyed a daily bowl of whole grains had a 29% lower heart failure risk than other men.
10. Oatmeal is delicious
When you are on a diet to try and lose weight, it is important to consume foods that are tasty as well as healthy. This will help you to stay on track with your weight loss goals, and it could prevent you from cheating or falling off the wagon. No matter what others say, oatmeal is a delicious meal. If someone thinks otherwise, they are not your friends anymore.
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Oatmeal offers a variety of health and weight loss benefits and can also help you to slim down. Swap out your high-calorie breakfast for a bowl of oatmeal today in order to reap all its fantastic benefits. There are lots of ways to cook this amazing super food and every way is even tastier than the one before, so don’t be afraid to experiment.