Breakfast can quickly turn into dessert or a meal full of unhealthy fat, cholesterol and salt if you go for popular options like bacon, muffins or pancakes.
But it’s easy to choose a breakfast that provides energy, nutrition and satiety in one healthy meal.
Cardiologist Tip of the Day: Eat Oatmeal for Breakfast “My go-to is really oatmeal,” Freeman says.
Many other doctors agree, picking oatmeal as their favorite healthy breakfast.
They provide carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals and plant compounds, says registered dietitian Natalie Rizzo, nutrition editor for TODAY.
If you choose popular breakfast options like bacon, muffins, or pancakes, it can quickly become dessert or a meal high in unhealthy fat, cholesterol, and salt.
Cardiologists would be horrified by it alone.
The director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, Dr. Andrew Freeman, previously told TODAY . com that “many people are in an incredible time crunch in the morning and usually reach for comfort foods like toaster pastries, processed breakfast cereals, and bars that have as much sugar as some of the candy bars out there.”.
But selecting a breakfast that offers satiety, nutrition, and energy in a single, healthful meal is simple.
Today’s Cardiologist Tip: Have oatmeal for breakfast.
Freeman says, “Oatmeal is really my go-to.”. “Oatmeal is the greatest choice, in my opinion. “”.
When traveling and confronted with a lack of heart-healthy options at the airport, he either orders it or prepares it at home.
Numerous other medical professionals concur, choosing oatmeal as their preferred nutritious breakfast.
Why It Matters.
Numerous health advantages come with oats. According to registered dietitian Natalie Rizzo, nutrition editor for TODAY, they offer plant compounds, carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Another form of fiber found in oats is beta-glucan, which has been demonstrated to reduce cholesterol.
According to Rizzo, “this soluble fiber tells the liver to extract LDL (bad) cholesterol from the blood, attach to it, and eliminate it in the fecal matter with the fiber.”.
According to her, oats’ beta-glucan fiber may aid in weight management because it affects hormones that regulate appetite and hunger.
How to Get Started.
Opt for plain oatmeal instead of flavored ones, which may contain a lot of added sugar.
Freeman suggests consuming a cup of oatmeal made with water rather than butter or milk, which increase the amount of saturated fat and calories.
Then, add a ton of fresh fruit to your oatmeal. Since berries are one of the fruits with the highest antioxidant content, the cardiologist enjoys them. Scientists have found that eating a diet high in antioxidants may lower the risk of heart disease and other conditions linked to oxidative stress.
Toss in additional heart-healthy ingredients, like ground flaxseeds or some walnuts, which are both high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Instead, Freeman recommends using rolled oats, which are less processed than instant oatmeal.
