Oat – your ally in losing weight

Many mistakes are made when trying to lose weight. A common one is to exercise a lot, without paying attention to what you eat. Especially when you exercise, your body needs nutrients; without any doubt, a healthy diet contributes to the results of the physical exercises. One of the strongest allies in your fight against weight is represented by oats! Let’s see why.

Rich in Fiber

Dietary fiber not only that prevents obesity, but it also regulates your digestion and provides you energy for a longer time. How does it do that? It blocks the fat absorption and, as it is not immediately digested, it constantly gives nutrients to your body and absorbs toxins from your intestines. A study published this year in Food and Nutrition Research reveals that children who eat oats regularly have a better nutrient consumption, and their rate of obesity is very low. The participants in the study have been kept under observation by researchers for ten years.

Whole Grains

By eating whole grains, you won’t lose any of oats’ nutrients. These precious nutrients will not allow your body to be exhausted by exercises or other physical or mental activities. A major problem when you want to lose weight is the fact that you try to eat fewer calories, and you tend to avoid anything sweet or nutritional. This way, your blood sugar level will decrease drastically and then, the temptation to grab a bar of chocolate will be huge. Whole grains can keep the bar chocolate away from you, by gradually releasing sugar into your blood, so that the level will never be too low.

A Great Source of Proteins

Proteins should not be avoided in weight loss diets. They can maintain the sensation of satiety for a longer time and have a beneficial effect on your heart. An important advantage of consuming proteins is the fact that your body will end up consuming more energy in digesting them in comparison with carbohydrates or fats.

Minerals and vitamins for exercising

When you start to workout, your body requires some minerals and vitamins, among other nutrients. Oatmeal is again the perfect ally. Calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E – they are all present in oats. You have definitely heard of the benefits of fatty acids. Guess what, oatmeal is also a source of Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Antioxidants

These are helpful on your way to losing weight because they protect you from free radicals. Free radicals keep your energy at a low level, restraining you from workout sessions.

Almost no fat and calories

One of your biggest concerns when trying to get fit is the amount of calories and fat contained in your food. Here comes another great news: one cup of oatmeal has only 110 calories, no cholesterol and the level of saturated fat in oats is minimal, so that there is absolutely no danger for your diet.