Getting up in the morning and figuring out what to eat is perhaps one of the most common struggles most of us face each day. After all, breakfast is considered a very important meal. It gives you energy, boosts your brain function, and provides you with essential nourishment altogether.
Aside from salads and sandwiches, one popular breakfast choice is oatmeal. It’s quite easy to make, which is probably why many people consider it their go-to. Oatmeal can be prepared in many ways, but in case you didn’t know, there’s one ingredient you may be adding that’s keeping you from losing weight. To know more, we asked nutritionist Varsha Khatri MA, SYT, MCMA. Keep reading as she explains what ingredient you should avoid.
Sugar
According to Khatri, "The one ingredient to avoid adding to your oatmeal is sugar. As tempting as it is to sweeten up your oatmeal, it will inevitably spike your blood sugar and insulin levels. Therefore, [you are more likely to experience] sugar cravings throughout the day." On top of that, when your blood sugar levels increase, it can lead to serious illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease, vision problems, and more.
She advises, "[The] best way to sweeten up your oatmeal naturally is by adding fresh fruit. If you are trying to lose weight, avoid natural and artificial sweeteners as well as those can also lead to blood sugar imbalances."
Khatri notes, "Eating oatmeal is considered healthy, but one thing every woman should know is that it is always best to make oatmeal from scratch or at the very least, check the ingredients for prepackaged and flavored oatmeals." She explains that prepackaged and flavored oatmeals "often contain added sugars or sweeteners, along with additives and other flavorings."
Instead of using just water to cook your oatmeals from scratch, Khatri suggests to use milk that you prefer. "Although if it is plant-based, ensure that there is no added sugars or sweeteners." She concludes, "Additionally, to make oatmeal healthier, [you can] top it off with fresh fruit along with nuts or seeds. This way you get a good combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats all in one meal."
