Even on its own, oatmeal is a fantastic breakfast food for anyone looking to slim down; It’s packed with fiber and complex carbs that can help support healthy weight loss, along with a wealth of other health benefits. But one of the best things about this food is the fact that its ultra-versatile, providing a blank canvas for a plethora of toppings that are as delicious as they are nutritious. In fact, there’s one ingredient in particular that health experts recommend mixing into your bowl of oats if a flatter stomach is your goal: chia seeds.
But what makes chia seeds so great for your body? To learn more about this high-fiber superfood, we spoke to health experts Lisa Richards, nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet, and registered dietitian Melissa Mitri. They broke down a few of the reasons you should consider adding these tasty seeds to your breakfast. Find all of their expert insight below.
Chia seeds for weight loss
There's no shortage of healthy oatmeal add-ins to choose from. But if you want to add more fiber into your diet while shedding pounds, Mitri and Richards both agree that chia seeds are one of the best options out there.
Richards tells us that this small but mighty food is "a nutrient-dense, complete protein, and a whole grain that can be easily integrated into most dietary patterns." One of the biggest benefits is the high fiber content, which is a major reason that chia seeds can be so helpful when it comes to weight loss.
"Fiber has been shown to support a healthy metabolism and aid in weight loss, and adding in chia seeds is a super simple way to sneak in more fiber," Mitri explains.
The incredible amount of essential nutrients chia seeds offers, including fiber and protein, will help you stay satisfied well into the day, reducing your impulse to overeat and indulge in processed snacks later on. That's definitely a plus for anyone working towards their dream body.
In addition to the fiber and protein, another major upside of chia seeds is the fact that, as Richards tells us, they contain all of the essential amino acids and "healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, a highly anti-inflammatory fat, which makes them ideal for your heart health as well." Incredible!
And as if you needed another reason to stock up on these seeds ASAP, it's also worth noting that chia seeds are incredibly versatile. They'll work well with just about any other ingredient you want to add to your oatmeal, so there's really no reason not to mix 'em in.
The bottom line
Of course, you should always keep in mind that no food—even nutrient-rich superfoods like chia seeds—is a miracle worker. Reaching your weight loss goals will require dedication, a balanced, diverse diet, and a great workout regimen. Adding chia seeds to your oatmeal is just one small way you can work towards your ideal weight—but it's certainly a great step to take!
