I am always saying don’t obsess about food but know what you’re eating. Also, if you’re pretty disciplined with eating, you can also splurge at times. You don’t always have to be counting calories, nor be intimidated by it.
A simple example is look at oatmeal. Oatmeal is great for you. It’s a gluten-free whole grain, and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
The minerals and vitamins are B1 and B5 Vitamins. In addition, it is rich in manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, coper, iron, zinc and folate.
Oats are also high in antioxidants and polyphenols. Specifically, oats are high in an antioxidant called avenanthramides. This antioxidant helps lower blood pressure and increases the production of nitric oxide, which in turns helps dilate blood vessels and leads to better blood flow.
And the list with oatmeal goes on, and on. With about a half-a-cup of oatmeal, you will be getting 51 grams of carbs, 13 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat and 8 grams of fiber, but only 303 calories. That’s not bad, and it will help make you feel full since it is a whole grain.
However, if you pick up a pack of flavored or doctored up instant oatmeal, you’ll be adding in things you may not want to consume. For example, you definitely will be getting more sugars and carbs. Also, you most likely will be getting artificial coloring. So, although the oats you will be eating would be great, you will be getting some other things you really want to avoid.
So, therefore, my advice would be stay simple and plan ahead to make fresh rolled or steel cut oats. But, when time is of a crunch (and on occasion) make sure you pick a brand of instant oats that has the least amount of sugars, salt and hopefully, no artificial colorings.
