Grains are a central component of so many different dishes, from rice bowls to barley stews. But many grain products have a bad reputation when it comes to weight loss. After all, how many times have you heard that you should cut back on white rice, white bread, and pasta if you want to shed some pounds? While it’s true that refined grains like these come with a range of health risks, including weight gain, there are actually many healthy grains to choose from. In fact, adding the right grains to your diet could actually help you slim down. This is especially true when it comes to one fiber-rich option: oats.
To learn more about the health benefits of oats, especially for weight loss, we spoke to personal trainer and registered dietitian Jesse Feder of My Chron’s & Colitis Team. He told us that this ingredient is a great, versatile option for anyone who’s looking to shrink their waistline. Read on for all of his expert insight on the matter.
Oats for weight loss
There's a lot to love about oats. They're tasty, versatile, and they can even help you lose weight. "I highly recommend oats as one of the best grains for weight loss," Feder raves.
According to him, many of the benefits of oats are linked to their high fiber content. Fiber is an important part of any healthy diet. Eating high-fiber foods like oats each day is important not only for digestion, but also for losing weight.
"Oats are very high in both soluble and insoluble fiber," Feder notes. "Both of these help contribute to feelings of fullness which can prevent you from overeating or becoming hungry too quickly. This is great for helping you reduce your caloric intake and lose weight." It's true; when you're satisfied for longer, you're much less likely to reach for fattening, processed foods that put your weight loss goals at risk.
"This fiber also helps move things along the digestive tract and aids in proper nutrient absorption," Feder adds. "Additionally, the fiber in oats can help absorb extra fats from our digestive system and lower our cholesterol levels. These are all great benefits that can contribute to weight loss over time." Incredible!
Adding oats to your diet
Okay, now that you know all about the waist-slimming benefits of oats, how can you work them into your own diet? Luckily, Feder says you have plenty of options. "You can consume them in the form of oatmeal, in a smoothie, as a yogurt topping, and even mixed in as part of a granola," he tells us.
We highly recommend choosing oatmeal as a healthy breakfast, as this offers the opportunity to take your meal to the next level with delicious, fat-blasting toppings. No matter how you choose to eat this healthy grain, though, you'll be doing wonders for your body.
READ MORE: 2 Nutritionist-Approved Oatmeal Recipes You Can Eat Every Day To Shed Pounds So Fast
