You're going to have to test this one out for yourself.
My clients that practice a nutritional approach that entails avoidance of grains often ask me if oatmeal is ok. In the past, I would have said that it wasn't ideal in a weight loss regime. In the spirit of practicing what I preach, I always read data that contradicts my views; primarily so I don't hold on to biased thinking and limit my intellectual growth.
After scrutinizing the data, I am tempted to change my position on the oatmeal. I do want to stress that there are however some stipulations.
My clients that practice a nutritional approach that entails avoidance of grains often ask me if oatmeal is ok. In the past, I would have said that it wasn't ideal in a weight loss regime. In the spirit of practicing what I preach, I always read data that contradicts my views; primarily so I don't hold on to biased thinking and limit my intellectual growth.
After scrutinizing the data, I am tempted to change my position on the oatmeal. I do want to stress that there are however some stipulations.
I suggest that the oatmeal be eaten first thing in the morning or within 45 minutes of cessation of vigorous exercise. These are times when your muscles are looking to replenish their sugar, and you'll be less likely to store it as fat.
Second, the oatmeal can not be instant! It absolutely has to be steel cut, raw oatmeal. It really doesn't take that much longer to cook and it's far more nutritious.
Third, you'll have to find a way to sweeten it. Obviously, if your goal is weight loss or maintaining a lean physique; sugar is not an option. If you're just looking to have a healthier breakfast and weight loss is not a goal, I'll leave the sweetening to your discretion.
Last but not least, and it's on this point that I want you to be truthful with yourself. My personal experience has been that I can't tolerate the oatmeal in my diet. I am extremely sensitive to weight gain when I consume grains. This however is my own experience, but I seriously doubt I'm alone in my reaction to oatmeal and similar grains.
It is my intention however, to always share what I learn, as I scrutinize everything I recommend. Much of the data suggests that it's a good choice and I want to present you with my findings. If you however, are someone like me, you may want to include it in your diet but avoid eating oatmeal too frequently. After a couple of weeks, you'll know whether it has a place in your nutrition, especially if weight loss is your objective.
Second, the oatmeal can not be instant! It absolutely has to be steel cut, raw oatmeal. It really doesn't take that much longer to cook and it's far more nutritious.
Third, you'll have to find a way to sweeten it. Obviously, if your goal is weight loss or maintaining a lean physique; sugar is not an option. If you're just looking to have a healthier breakfast and weight loss is not a goal, I'll leave the sweetening to your discretion.
Last but not least, and it's on this point that I want you to be truthful with yourself. My personal experience has been that I can't tolerate the oatmeal in my diet. I am extremely sensitive to weight gain when I consume grains. This however is my own experience, but I seriously doubt I'm alone in my reaction to oatmeal and similar grains.
It is my intention however, to always share what I learn, as I scrutinize everything I recommend. Much of the data suggests that it's a good choice and I want to present you with my findings. If you however, are someone like me, you may want to include it in your diet but avoid eating oatmeal too frequently. After a couple of weeks, you'll know whether it has a place in your nutrition, especially if weight loss is your objective.
