Oatmeal (Why you should eat it!)

It's one of the few breakfast foods that is actually good for you that I actually like...You know how it is folks..Most foods that your doctor tells you  you should eat are usually things that you either don't like or bore you at just the thought of partaking.

Oatmeal is not one of those foods... At least not to me...I have always loved it..You can add a little cinnamon, add sugar, warm milk, raisons, strawberrys, nuts....MMMM Good...And I'm not being funny...I love it..Year round...

Now, let me tell you why YOU should love it...

Although oatmeal isn't particularly low on the glycemic index, it outranks almost every other breakfast cereal and most of your  whole-grain breakfast products. Oatmeal is also regarded as a super food when it comes to supporting digestive health. For those reasons, many medical practitioners and nutritionists not only allow their diabetic patients to eat oatmeal but actually encourage it, especially since oatmeal helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Here is why it works: Carbohydrates spend the least amount of time in the stomach, which means you get a quick boost of energy. But unlike processed, sugary cereals, whole oats don't result in a sugar crash. The high dietary fiber content in oats helps you feel full longer, preventing overeating throughout the day, which can lead to weight gain, sluggishness, and fatigue. Fiber is also crucial to healthy digestion; the soluble fiber in oats feeds the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract and prevents energy-draining constipation.

In addition to its high fiber content, oatmeal provides magnesium, protein, and phosphorus, three nutrients that significantly and directly affect energy levels, making it an ideal food for fighting fatigue. It's also a good source of vitamin B1 (thiamin), which is crucial for producing energy. Symptoms of too little B1 include a lack of energy and loss of appetite. Along with other nutrients, vitamin B1 helps support the breakdown and conversion to energy of the food we eat.

Here's when to eat it: Eat oatmeal first thing in the morning for instant energy. Breakfast is especially important because it replenishes energy reserves and sets the tone for your day.

Here's how to enjoy it: Go old school, minimally processed organic oats, and avoid the instant and flavored varieties. Hint: Look for oats labeled "Scottish," "Irish," "steel-cut," "thick cut," or "Old-fashioned," and you'll be on the right track.

Enjoy!