Oatmeal is a popular breakfast choice, but is it good for weight loss? The answer is: it depends.
Plain oatmeal is a good source of fiber and protein, which can help you feel full and satisfied after eating. This can lead to reduced calorie intake and weight loss over time. However, flavored oatmeal often contains added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients that can negate its weight loss benefits.
What to Look for in Oatmeal for Weight Loss
If you’re looking for oatmeal that can help you lose weight, it’s important to choose plain oatmeal that is low in sugar and calories. You can also add your own healthy toppings, such as fruit, nuts, and seeds.
Here are some tips for choosing healthy oatmeal:
- Choose plain oatmeal over flavored oatmeal. Flavored oatmeal often contains added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients.
- Look for oatmeal that is low in calories and sugar. A serving of oatmeal should have no more than 200 calories and 10 grams of sugar.
- Add your own healthy toppings. Fruit, nuts, and seeds are all healthy toppings that can add flavor and nutrients to your oatmeal.
How to Make Oatmeal for Weight Loss
Oatmeal is a versatile food that can be prepared in many different ways. Here is a simple recipe for weight loss-friendly oatmeal:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups water or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup raisins
Instructions:
- Combine the oats, water or milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the oats are cooked through.
- Stir in the walnuts, almonds, and raisins.
- Serve and enjoy!
Oatmeal can be a healthy addition to a weight loss diet, but it’s important to choose plain oatmeal that is low in sugar and calories. You can also add your own healthy toppings, such as fruit, nuts, and seeds.
Might Want to Think Twice Before Eating Oatmeal
FAQ
Is it healthy to eat flavored oatmeal?
Is it OK to eat oatmeal when trying to lose weight?
What is the best oatmeal to eat for weight loss?
Can oatmeal help you lose weight?
In addition, be sure to add a protein source like Greek yogurt, egg whites or eggs, or nuts or nut butters. Protein helps you feel full and prevents overeating, which in turn may promote weight loss ( 10 ). Low calorie toppings and protein-rich foods are good additions to oatmeal if you’re trying to lose weight.
What are the effects of eating oatmeal daily?
Oats are a cereal rich in avenanthramide, a phenolic compound with antioxidant action that fights excess free radicals in the body, thus helping to prevent the onset of diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
Is oatmeal healthy?
Oatmeal has a healthy reputation and with good reason—it is healthy. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in the nutrition department when you eat a half cup of oatmeal, per the United States Department of Agriculture:
Can rolled oats help you lose weight?
If you want to lose weight sustainably, try making oatmeal with steel-cut or rolled oats, Nikolakopoulos says. “Steel-cut oats can absorb more water than instant oats, and they’re also superior to instant oatmeal because they are less processed and have a better nutrient profile,” she says.