Can You Eat Oats For Dinner?

Oats or an oatmeal has been a trusted companion for weight loss, since long. Oats are grains from the cereal plant, Avena Sativa. Once harvested, these grains are either used as animal feed, skin products or food. Health experts and nutritionists across the world often rank a bowl of oatmeal as one of the best breakfast options for optimal weight loss and health. But does it work as well in the form of dinner too? Let's find out.

Oats For Breakfast- A Win-Win Combination

Oats are commonly eaten for breakfast as oatmeal, which is made by boiling oats in water or milk. Oatmeal or porridge is known to aid digestion, soothe nerves, regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol. According to the book, 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing, "Oats contain multiple nutrients and a gummy water soluble fiber, beta-glucan which helps reduce 'unhealthy'(LDL) cholesterol. They are also known to be a natural sedative and excellent for easing indigestion."

Macrobiotic Nutritionist Shilpa Arora explains why a bowl of oats could be your best breakfast option, "Oats are rich in fiber which helps you remain full and prevents binge-eating. Oats give you a fuller feeling as the fiber takes time to digest, thus preventing you from binging on other high-calorie foods."

_{Oats are commonly eaten for breakfast as oatmeal, which is made by boiling oats in water or milk.} Oats contain soluble fiber which absorbs the water in the stomach and becomes gel-like. It swells up and thus, takes longer to digest keeping you satisfied and reducing hunger until lunch time. Another reason why oats are great for breakfast is that they are full of protein. While proteins are essential for building muscles, they also play a key role in keeping the blood sugar levels stable and preventing insulin spikes which may lead to fat storage.

Do Oats Serve As A Good Dinner Option?

There is a common saying that goes, 'Don't eat less for dinner, eat better for dinner'. Oats make for a great option for their high water, fibre and low-fat content. Whole grain oats reduce risks of constipation and heart disease too.

According to Dr. Rupali Dutta, "One can have oats at any point and time of the day. In fact, it is one of the healthiest foods one can have. It provides you with healthy fibers. It is very good for heart health. There is no risk involved with eating oats, unless the person is dealing with glutamine intolerance. Oats produced and manufactured in factories undergo many levels of processing. Even the labels stating gluten-free are not always so. So a gluten-intolerant person really needs to be careful with the wheat composition."Shilpa says, "Oats are a very healthy option for dinner, they are rich in fibre and water keeping you full, which helps avoid hunger pangs at night. Oats for dinner also give you a restful sleep. They help release seratonin hormone that helps reduce stress. This neurotransmitter helps to elevate mood in the evening and calms the body."

How To Have Oats for Dinner?

Oatmeal or a porridge is just one way of having oats. There are several ways in which you can use oats to whip up scrumptious and interesting delights.

1. Oats Utthapam

 This easy-to-make and quick recipe is not only low in calories but also serves as an appetizing break from all the bland diet food. Serve piping hot, garnished with chopped coriander leaves and pair it with coconut chutney.

_{Serve piping hot, garnished with chopped coriander leaves and pair it with coconut chutney.}2. Oats IdliThis idli recipe is low on carbs and quite healthy. It is made with the goodness of oats and grated carrots. Also, it is ideal for those who are calorie conscious.

_{It is made with the goodness of oats and grated carrots}3. Oats KhichdiNation's favourite comfort dish with a low-cal twist. A healthy mix of vegetables, oats and moong dal, this piping hot recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. You can have it either with pickle or with curd or any chutney.

_{A healthy mix of vegetables, oats and moong dal, this piping hot recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.} So what are you waiting for? Bring in your pack and start experimenting!