Oatmeal is one of the best breakfasts you can eat every day while you’re working towards your weight loss goals. This high-fiber superfood can do wonders for your overall health, keep you satiated until lunch, and help you shed pounds at a healthy rate. And one of the biggest benefits of oatmeal is the fact that you can make it even healthier by loading it with nutritious toppings. Luckily, there’s no shortage of delicious, satisfying, and nutrient-rich oatmeal ingredients that can bring you one step closer to your goal weight.
To discover one of the best options out there, we spoke to health experts Lisa Richards, nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet, and registered dietitian Melissa Mitri. They told us that chia seeds make a fantastic choice. Read on to learn more about the benefits of adding this versatile topping to your oatmeal!
Chia seeds
When you think of oatmeal toppings, your mind may immediately jump to fruit, sweeteners, and nut butters. But have you ever considered the power of seeds? As it turns out, nuts and seeds make fantastic, hearty additions to your diet. And if you’re looking for one of the best ways to amp up your morning bowl of oatmeal for weight loss, Richards and Mitri say you should look no further than chia seeds.
According to Richards, these seeds are “a nutrient-dense, complete protein, and a whole grain that can be easily integrated into most dietary patterns.” As Mitri points out, they’re also high in fiber, which is great for 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,” she says. Plus, all of that fiber and protein will keep you fuller longer, which means you’re less likely to overindulge on unhealthy snacks between meals—and that’s another major win for anyone looking to shed a few pounds.
Chia seeds even offer all of the essential amino acids your body needs to thrive, along with “healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, a highly anti-inflammatory fat, which makes them ideal for your heart health as well,” Richards notes. All in one simple, small package!
Additionally, this ingredient is super versatile, which means that you can mix chia seeds in with all of your other favorite toppings for a delicious, nutrient-packed oatmeal. All in all, there’s no denying that this oatmeal ingredient can support a healthier body—not to mention a tastier meal.
