Even if you have been following a strict diet regimen, it’s natural for your body to crave for something good once the fall hits and winter follows. Won’t you like something rich, filling, delicious and comforting that would keep you full for a longer time!

But the fear of unhealthy junk, fats, and carbs would make you write everything off? How about a bowl of old fashioned oats for breakfast? Or, the fear of carbs would make you write that off too? Or, are you one of those who find oats boring?

But oats can be made something interesting and filling, nutritious and healthy?

Add apples or pears, chopped nuts, raisins, chia seeds, shredded coconuts, slather with honey or maple syrup,  and have this bowl of goodness on a cold foggy day, with coffee.

Want to keep yourself fuller longer? Have your oats with a boiled egg or an omelet!  

The Benefits of Having Oats

Oat is a healthier breakfast option because:

• Oat is a form of whole grains; hence, it’s healthier than packaged and processed cereals.
• It comprises beta-glucan, a form of starch that lowers cholesterol and protects your heart.
• The fiber in oats relieves constipation.
• Oats lowers the risk of cancer. It is suitable for diabetics and promote weight loss.
• It’s rich, creamy texture makes oats easier to eat and digest as well.
• Bulking oats up with nuts, fruits and a form of protein would help you create a meal plan that would keep you full longer.
• Despite being fulfilling, oats is lighter on the stomach and doesn’t make your stomach feel heavy. In fact, after having oats, you would feel attentive and alert for hours after having it as breakfast.

A Few Things to Remember!

• Oats is a cost-effective and help you get more bang out of your budget.
• You can cook oats ahead of time (like a night prior) and just microwave it in the morning or eat it cold out of the fridge.
• You can prepare it in a variety of ways and combinations: sweet and savory.
• You can add a variety of fruits, nuts, etc., replace milk with yogurt, honey with maple syrup, experiment with adding aromatic spices like grounded cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg  to your porridge to keep things interesting.
• You can add cooked lentils, shredded eggs, chicken, even fish to your savory porridge to create a full meal out of it. Garnish it with coriander and chopped green chillies and enjoy it with a wedge of lemon.  
• You can add them to your smoothies, or protein shakes to bulk them up.
• Steel cut oats are healthier than rolled oats.
• However, moderation is the key when consuming anything. Consuming too much can lead to weight gain.
• Don’t be tempted to add too much honey or maple syrup; otherwise, you would end up pushing a healthy bowl to the unhealthy side.

Conclusion

After going through all the benefits and ideas listed above, you may want to add oats to your regular diet. You would not only enjoy having a hearty bowl of oats in the morning, but would also feel good about its potential benefits for your health and wellness. Keep rotating the things you would add to your oats so as to have a variety and not get bored with having the same thing over and over.