The best time to eat oatmeal for weight loss is at breakfast. The body will burn most carbs of oatmeal for energy. Also, fiber and protein in oatmeal can regulate appetite for hours!
Why is oatmeal good for weight loss?
Eating a cup of oatmeal at breakfast is good for weight loss, as it regulates appetite. A cup of cooked oatmeal has only 160 calories, while it’s rich in protein and fiber. Protein and fiber have a huge filling effect.[1]
Hence, oatmeal consumption at breakfast can reduce total energy intake! Actually, diets high in fiber help us lose more weight and improve body composition.[2]
So, reasonable amounts of oatmeal won’t make you fat, despite its relatively high calorie content. In fact, it should be part of a healthy, hypocaloric diet for weight loss.
The best time to eat oatmeal is at breakfast.
The best time of the day to eat oatmeal for weight loss is at breakfast, as oats are mainly carbs. The body has increased insulin sensitivity in the morning. It regulates glucose responses better. In fact, more carbs are stored as muscle glycogen when consumed in the morning, instead of belly fat.
On the contrary, late night meals high in carbs have been associated with a high risk of obesity. So, it’s better to avoid consuming oatmeal at dinner.[3]
Another great time of the day to eat oats is before or after strenuous exercise! Oats have beneficial effects on sports performance!
Can oatmeal at breakfast make me fat?
Above all, you should eat oatmeal in moderation if you want to lose weight. Most people who want to lose weight should consume only a cup of oatmeal per day. Two cups provide more than 300 calories!
Furthermore, adding white/brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or dried fruits to your oatmeal makes it a high-calorie meal. Too much added sugar has detrimental effects on blood glucose response, Even eaten at breakfast, too much sugar can cause belly fat.
Prefer adding raw unsweetened fruits to your oatmeal, like cranberries. In fact, cranberries are among the healthiest foods you can eat at breakfast.
Moreover, you shouldn’t add too many toppings to oatmeal. For instance, although seeds and nuts are healthy, too many make you fat. Seeds and nuts have too many calories!
Therefore, just a cup of oatmeal made of cow’s milk, with 1 tbsp of honey and 1 handful of seeds or nuts have more than 400 calories! Cow’s milk have many calories as well. Adults who want to lose weight should consume it in moderation.
Certainly, the healthiest topping to your oatmeal is cinnamon. It provides flavor and regulates blood glucose levels.
