When it comes to weight loss-friendly breakfasts, oatmeal is undeniably one of the best choices out there. This complex carb is packed with health benefits: it’s high in fiber, low in calories, and not to mention delicious and versatile. One of the best things about oatmeal is that you can add a wide array of tasty, healthy toppings to your bowl to take things to the next level. And luckily, there are tons of great options for those looking to shed a few pounds.
To discover a few of the best ingredients you can add to your oatmeal for faster weight loss and a healthier body this winter, we spoke to dietitian Jesse Feder from My Crohn’s and Colitis Team. He told us that blueberries, cinnamon, and almonds are among the healthiest choices. (Plus, they taste great!) Learn more about how each can help you lose weight below.
1. Blueberries
Berries, packed with antioxidants, offer up a plethora of benefits. Feder says that adding blueberries, in particular, to your morning bowl of oats can do wonders for your body. "Blueberries contain one of the highest antioxidant contents among all of the fruits," he says. "They are also rich in fiber and other important nutrients."
The antioxidant content, he explains, is "great for combatting inflammation throughout the body which can be hindering weight loss." The fiber is also fantastic, as it can "help increase satiety and keep you feeling satiated for long periods of time." This is especially helpful for weight loss because it means you're less likely to overeat and indulge in unhealthy snacks throughout the day.
2. Cinnamon
Time to add some spice! Cinnamon can add a great bit of flavor to your oatmeal. But did you know it could also help you slim down? As it turns out, Feder says "Cinnamon has been shown to help control blood glucose levels, have antioxidative properties, and even boost metabolism." Amazing!
"By helping our bodies manage its glucose levels, we can sustain healthy energy levels which can help us with weight loss as you will not have large swings in energy," Feder explains. Like blueberries, cinnamon also offers up anti-inflammatory properties that could do wonders for your weight loss goals.
And finally, Feder says, this tasty spice could "potentially boost calorie burning within our bodies," making it one of many spices that may help speed up your metabolism.
3. Almonds
Nuts are another great food to eat for faster weight loss—and luckily, they work perfectly in oatmeal. These superfoods are rich in healthy fats and other essential nutrients that can help your body thrive. Feder recommends adding almonds to your oatmeal for this reason.
"Almonds are a great addition to oatmeal as they contain healthy anti-inflammatory fats and high amounts of fiber," he says. "The high amount of healthy fats, when paired with carbohydrates such as those in oatmeal, can help control blood sugar levels and keep them from spiking. This is great for sustaining healthy energy levels which can aid in weight loss."
As we've already mentioned, inflammation-fighting foods like almonds can be a great secret weapon to add to your diet for weight loss. And just as with blueberries, the high fiber content of nuts will help keep you fuller longer, likely reducing your overall caloric intake throughout the day.
The bottom line
It's important to remember that losing weight is a comprehensive endeavor that will require you to make a range of healthy choices every day. Breakfast is just the first step! However, oatmeal is always a great choice, especially when you add the right ingredients to the mix. By taking Feder's advice and adding blueberries, cinnamon, and almonds to your oats every morning, you could be taking yourself one step closer towards your goal weight.
