Why is oatmeal not a healthy breakfast?

 Why is oatmeal not a healthy breakfast?

 Ah, oatmeal, the breakfast favorite of many – the warm hug in a bowl that promises a nutritious start to your day. But hold on a second! Could it be that our beloved oatmeal isn’t as healthy as we once thought? Let’s dive into this breakfast conundrum.

Imagine this: you wake up, ready to conquer the day, and you reach for that comforting bowl of oatmeal. You sprinkle some brown sugar on top, maybe a dollop of cream – because, you know, YOLO. But did you know that all that sugar and cream can turn your healthy oats into a sneaky sugar bomb?

It turns out that pre-packaged instant oatmeal often contains hidden sugars and artificial flavors, taking away the natural goodness of oats. These added sugars can spike your blood sugar levels, leaving you crashing before it’s even time for lunch. Plus, excessive consumption of processed grains can lead to inflammation in the body, causing a whole host of health issues.

But fear not, oatmeal enthusiasts! Not all hope is lost. Opting for steel-cut or rolled oats and flavoring them with fresh fruits, nuts, and a touch of cinnamon can transform your morning bowl into a nutrient-packed powerhouse. These whole grains are rich in fiber, keeping you full and satisfied until your next meal.

And hey, if you want to take your breakfast game to the next level, how about trying out some herbal remedies to boost your morning routine? A sprinkle of chia seeds for omega-3 fatty acids or a dash of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties can take your oatmeal from good to great.

Speaking of greatness, let’s not forget the importance of balance and moderation. Just like with any food, the key to a healthy diet is variety and mindful consumption. So go ahead, and enjoy your oatmeal, but do so with a mindful eye on your toppings and portion sizes.

In the end, it’s all about making informed decisions when it comes to your breakfast – or any meal, for that matter. So next time you reach for that oatmeal, think about how you can elevate it with natural, wholesome ingredients. Your body will thank you, and your taste buds will rejoice in the delicious goodness.

And hey, if you’re looking for some creative vegan recipes to jazz up your morning routine, why not try a refreshing smoothie bowl or a savory avocado toast? The world of plant-based eating is vast and exciting – dive right in and discover a whole new world of flavors and health benefits.

Stay curious, stay mindful, and remember – a little oats and herbal magic can go a long way on your journey to a healthier you. As the saying goes, "An oatmeal a day keeps the grumpiness away." Or at least that's how I remember it.

Oatmeal is just carbs.

Carbs spike your blood sugar levels.

When you eat carbs in the morning, your body breaks it down into glucose - which is sugar. This causes your blood sugar levels to increase. You might have an initial boost of energy, but once your blood sugar levels come crashing down a few hours later, you will tired and sluggish.

Protein is essential for muscle health.

A healthy breakfast should be high in protein.

Protein is vital for muscle sustainability. The more muscle mass your body retains, the faster your metabolism is - which means more calories burned by just existing. This makes it easier to sustain a healthy weight because your body is working harder even when it’s resting.

If you’re committed to eating oatmeal every day, why not try adding a scoop of protein powder?

It’s not just oatmeal either, my nanna told me she eats two slices of toast for breakfast every day.

I asked her to add a boiled egg or two so that she could consume at least some protein with her breakfast. Having protein in a meal with carbohydrates slows down their absorption, which helps to stabilize blood sugars.

Another effect not talked about enough is the impact carbs have on your mental clarity.

Carbs cause brain fog.

Spikes and crashes in blood sugar results in mental fogginess. Why would you want to start your day at a disadvantage?

Neurons are just brain cells. Brain cells need double the energy. They crave carbs, but unlike other parts of your body, your brain can’t store glucose. It’s constantly relying on your diet to keep fueled up.

Higher glycemic index foods mess with your brain.
Foods with a high glycemic index spike your blood sugar quickly, and foods with a low glycemic nixed spike it slowly. Sure, they give you a quick sugar rush and a temporary energy boost. But what goes up must come down, and when your blood sugar crashes - your brain feels the effect.

So, if you’re consuming high-GI foods for breakfast, be ready for that inevitable crash. A steady supply of energy is key for keeping your brain sharp and focused throughout the day.

The healthiest breakfast is an empty plate.

You know what’s even better than a high-protein breakfast? Fasting for an extra few hours and eating it with your lunch instead. I promise you won’t die of hunger between 9 am-12 pm.

Try it.

I guarantee you’ll never feel as mentally sharp and ready to attack the day.

I write 90% of these Quora posts first thing in the morning, fasting. As soon you eat, you feel satisfied. Then there’s no need to distract yourself with work anymore - you become lazy.

Just make sure you consume enough calories and protein in your ‘break-fast’ meal at 12. Between chicken, eggs, and protein Greek yogurt - I usually get around 60g in.

Do you eat breakfast? What’s your go-to meal to start the day?

EDIT: Wow, I never thought a post about porridge could be so controversial. 370k views and counting.

Despite the temptation to add fuel to the fire and watch the comments explode, it’s more important to me to spread accurate information. There are a few things about the original post that need clarifying.

Oatmeal quality matters.

When I wrote the original post, I was mainly referring to instant oats which are highly processed.

Turns out, steel-cut and rolled oats may have a lower glycemic index than quick oats. [1]

It’s an important distinction, especially since the oats lower on the glycemic index will provide a slower release of energy and can help stabilize blood sugar. [2]

Fasting.

The next biggest outrage was on the point of fasting. This is a hill I'm more willing to die on because the research is clear.

• Intermittent fasting can reduce type 2 diabetes risk by increasing insulin sensitivity [3].
• It can help decrease inflammation and promote better health [4].
• Fasting helps reduce body fat, naturally increasing human growth hormone [5].

Conclusion.

I’m not a qualified nutritionist. There’s a reason why I put the credential to this post as ‘blogger’ in the first place.

It was never my intention to spread misinformation. I enjoy food and its relationship to health. I share my experiences on a social platform because it’s fun to interact with the community and understand different points of view.

If you need serious dietary support then you should hire a professional.

Thank you to everyone who engaged with the post.

Click here to learn more.