Many diets, including oatmeal, are based on eating one type of food. The oatmeal diet became popular on the Internet several years ago. But what is she like? And how safe is this diet? Let’s figure it out.
The oatmeal diet involves eating only oatmeal or using it as the basis of a diet. There are several options for the oatmeal diet. Most of them are divided into the following stages:
- Step 1. The first phase of the diet usually consists of eating oatmeal three times a day. Oats must be whole, not instant because oats often contain added sugar. Some people also include fruits at this stage.
- Step 2. The second phase of the diet includes eating oatmeal for three meals a day and add a half Cup of fruit or raw vegetables to every meal.
- Step 3. In the third stage, the person may resume a regular healthy diet, but one meal must include oatmeal. You can also add fruits, nuts and natural flavors to oatmeal to enhance its flavor and taste.
Supporters of the diet describe such a diet as a simple, cheap and effective way to lose weight. However, experts are concerned about the risks associated with the use of only one type of food.
The potential benefits of oatmeal diet
Proponents of the diet claim that it provides the body with fiber, calories and vitamins that a person needs to maintain energy while losing weight. However, the diet is too restrictive.
Oatmeal is nutritious if used in moderation. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in the United States, oats contain fiber called beta-glucan, which can lower cholesterol levels while strengthening the immune system.
Let’s not argue that oatmeal is a good option for breakfast because it allows you to feel satiety for a long time. However, it does not contain all the nutrients that should be in the diet of a healthy person. That is why the oatmeal diet is a poor choice for long-term weight loss.
How effective is oatmeal diet?
Observing the oatmeal diet is not easy, because it does not provide the calories a person needs to feel energetic. Those who adhere to such a nutritional plan may experience weakness, nausea, and dizziness. In addition, even if a person loses weight, he is likely to have problems with maintaining weight after returning to his usual diet.
Risks associated with oatmeal diet
The oatmeal diet is potentially harmful to human health. Like other questionable diets that target one type of food, the oatmeal diet is an extremely unbalanced approach to nutrition.
The diet promises quick weight loss, but it does not care about human health. In addition, there are no studies confirming its effectiveness, or, at least, proving safety.
The number of harmful diets, in addition to oatmeal, also include:
- Fasting on broth.
- The cabbage soup diet.
- Grapefruit diet.
- Fasting on juices.
- Liquid diet.
- The protein diet.
Like the oatmeal diet, they advocate the use of a very limited choice of products without a sustainable weight loss plan in the long run. As a result of such diets, people usually experience hunger and constantly feel tired. In addition, health problems or deterioration of existing diseases may occur.
Possible risks of oatmeal and other mono-diets include:
- Difficulty maintaining weight.
- Gout.
- Kidney stones.
- Increased risk of chronic health problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and cancer.
Instead of trying the oatmeal diet, talk to your doctor or nutritionist about effective weight loss programs. A specialist will help you to correctly formulate your goals and build a nutrition schedule.
A healthy diet should include a variety of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. A varied diet will help reduce weight and maintain it in the long term.
