My oatmeal craze started two years ago and I will never look back. In high school, I ate oatmeal with brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon each morning without fail. Even though I have been asked far too many times, “Why do you smell like syrup?” there are many benefits that override this one embarrassing drawback.
Here are five reasons why you oat to be eating more oatmeal:
It is quick and convenient
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If you’re like most people, you don’t have the time to scramble up some eggs and prepare yourself some bomb avocado toast every morning. If you’re living in a college dorm and don’t have easy access to a stovetop to boil water, do not fret. Oatmeal can be made in the microwave in under five minutes.
It can help you control your weight
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Since oatmeal contains high amounts of fiber, it helps to keep you feeling fuller longer. Beta-glucan, a soluble fiber in oatmeal, suppresses appetite by releasing appetite-control hormones. While eating pancakes or other fatty breakfast foods may fill you up, they won’t keep you satisfied for as long as oatmeal will.
Oats are 100% natural
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While prepackaged flavored instant oatmeal is delicious, a canister of rolled oats from the supermarket has only one ingredient… rolled oats. Adding your favorite toppings can ensure you that you know exactly what you’re putting into your body.
It is a whole grain
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Whole grains are full of nutrients like protein, antioxidants, iron, magnesium and B vitamins. Magnesium in whole grains helps control glucose and insulin production, lowering your risk of Type 2 Diabetes. A diet rich in whole oats have also proven to lower the risk of high blood pressure.
It is delicious
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I’m not going to lie, before I tried oatmeal I thought it was only for “old people.” Once I started experimenting, I realized that there are so many different ways to prepare this beautiful invention.
If you want to add more protein to your oatmeal breakfast, scoop in a spoonful of almond butter. If you’re feeling fruity, toss in whatever fruit you have lying around and a taste of honey. You can honestly add anything that your tastebuds desire and there you have it – a well-balanced breakfast.