Introduction
If you’re trying to lose weight, you may think that oatmeal is a healthy breakfast choice. But according to dietitians, there is one oatmeal habit that could be sabotaging your weight loss goals. In this article, we’ll discuss the #1 worst oatmeal habit for weight loss, and provide tips on how to make oatmeal a healthier part of your diet.
The #1 Worst Oatmeal Habit for Weight Loss, Says Dietitian — Eat This Not That
Oatmeal is a popular breakfast choice for those looking to lose weight, but it can also be a dieter’s downfall. According to dietitian and nutritionist, Karen Ansel, MS, RDN, the worst oatmeal habit for weight loss is adding too much sugar.
Ansel explains that while oatmeal is a great source of fiber and protein, it can quickly become unhealthy if you add too much sugar. “Adding too much sugar to your oatmeal can quickly turn it into a calorie-laden breakfast that won’t help you reach your weight loss goals,” she says. “It’s important to be mindful of the amount of sugar you’re adding to your oatmeal and to opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of processed sugars.”
Ansel also recommends adding fresh fruit to your oatmeal for a natural sweetness. “Adding fresh fruit to your oatmeal is a great way to get a natural sweetness without adding too much sugar,” she says. “Berries, apples, and bananas are all great options that will add flavor and nutrition to your oatmeal.”
By following Ansel’s advice and being mindful of the amount of sugar you add to your oatmeal, you can enjoy a healthy breakfast that will help you reach your weight loss goals.
Oatmeal is not only one of the coziest and most delicious breakfasts you can eat, but it also comes with a ton of health benefits for when you want to lose weight.
Oatmeal is a good source of fiber, which can support your gut health, digestion, and appetite regulation, all of which are important for weight loss. However, there are ways you may be making your oatmeal that can negatively impact your health goals.
According to Laura Burak, MS, RD, author of Slimdown with Smoothies, and founder of Laura Burak Nutrition, the worst oatmeal habit for weight loss is not adding enough protein to your oatmeal.
Continue reading to learn about why getting enough protein matters for your weight loss goals, and for more healthy weight loss ideas, make sure to check out 13 Cozy Breakfast Recipes Perfect For Weight Loss.
“Oatmeal is a carbohydrate and contains little to no protein or fat, so it is digested more quickly than these macronutrients, which can lead to blood sugar swings and increased cravings and hunger pretty soon after you eat it—especially when doused with added sugars like maple syrup and brown sugar,” says Burak.
And according to Burak, the solution to this problem is making sure you have plenty of protein along with your carb-heavy oatmeal.
“You can add a significant amount of protein to your oatmeal or on the side like eggs, nuts, seeds, nut butters, yogurt, plain protein powder, cottage cheese, or any other protein you enjoy,” says Burak “and when you add this protein, it changes the oatmeal ballgame and acts as a complete meal to help stabilize blood sugar and set your day up to stick to your healthy diet.”
It’s also important to get enough protein when you’re trying to lose weight so that you can feel fuller for longer periods of time and experience fewer cravings. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, diets higher in protein were not only associated with more weight loss and fat reduction but more perceived satiety and fullness as well.
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