The recommended serving size for oatmeal is ½ cup. Apart from some fruit and veggies, the diet does allow you to add or have a small amount of skim milk as well as low-fat yogurt on the side. You can also flavour your oatmeal with some spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla extract, etc.
Too much of oats could make you feel uncomfortable and even gain weight. Ideally, only prepare half a cup of dry oats for one time. Have your meal in a small bowl, so that you eat less.
One cup of cooked oatmeal is a healthy serving size, says Jessica Crandall Snyder, RDN, CDCES, the CEO of Vital RD in Centennial, Colorado.
“A person should stick to the 1/2 cup serving before cooking,” she says. Overall, though, if you have your oatmeal with minimal sweeteners and add some protein and fat to the mix, Cording says it can be a healthy food that can help you reach your weight loss goals.
Eating oatmeal 3 times a day may help you lose weight. Oats are filling and low in calories, so they can be beneficial for those trying to lose or maintain their weight. Additionally, oats contain soluble fiber which helps to reduce cholesterol levels and inflammation in the body.
In order to lose weight, you should consume around 250 grams of oats a day. One portion of oatmeal contains 40-50 grams, so if you are on an oat diet you should eat about 5 portions a day.
Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away.
The Bottom Line
Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Stick to half-a-cup of dry oatmeal, which is considered one serving size. That comes out to 150 calories, leaving about another 150 for toppings, so you can create a filling breakfast that doesn't turn into a calorie bomb that leaves you too full.
If you want to lose weight, you can include oats water in your diet as it helps in reducing belly fat rapidly. Oats water is rich in fibre, which keeps the stomach full for a long time. Consuming oats water on an empty stomach in the morning controls appetite, which helps in weight loss in longer run.
Eggs = Less Calories
So, eggs have an advantage over oatmeal if you are planning to cut on your calorie intake and shed those extra kilos. Eggs have a nutrient called Choline that helps to reduce belly fat. Studies have shown that people who are overweight are usually deficient in choline, especially women.
The healthiest way to eat oatmeal is cooked in milk with fresh fruit on top. The milk helps add extra protein and makes the oats creamy. The fruits add a delicious sweetness! You can also use almond milk or your favorite non-dairy milk.
Healthy Ways To Eat Oatmeal
For example, you can season your oatmeal with a touch of maple syrup, along with anti-inflammatory cinnamon or ginger and fresh fruit. Add nuts, seeds, or nut/seed butter for healthy fat and bonus plant protein.
Though oatmeal is said to help you lose weight, having too much of it can lead to malnutrition and muscle mass shedding. This is because oatmeal is rich in fibre, which keeps you full for longer, so your body loses the ability to signal you to eat more throughout the day.
Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect. As a breakfast food and mid-meal snack, oatmeal is potentially a better option than the majority of foods available in the market.
There's been a lot of speculation recently about the benefits of eating oatmeal twice a day. People have been dropping waist sizes, feeling better and fuller throughout the day, and reporting more energy. The truth is, oatmeal is a great source of good carbs, fiber, and protein.
Overall, oats are a low-risk, high-reward food. However, despite their numerous health benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're new to the oat game. Oats are high in soluble fiber, which is good for digestion, but it may also cause bloating, increased gas, and abdominal cramps for some people.
They are high in minerals, protein, fiber, and vitamins (1). Moreover, their high fiber content promotes satiety, thus decreasing your energy intake (2). So, following an oatmeal diet and replacing the meals completely with oats keeps your hunger in check and helps you shed 15 to 20 lbs within 6 to 8 weeks.
Weight loss benefits
Oats are a filling food due to their high fiber content and can increase satiety with meals. This can help to control hunger levels and reduce overeating. Additionally, oats contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that has been shown to promote weight loss (4, 5).