Breakfast is widely considered the most important meal of the day. You have to be especially attentive to what you are eating on an empty stomach in the morning. You have to choose dishes that will not mess with your digestive system but will still keep you energised throughout the morning. If you are on a weight-loss diet, you have to be even more careful: it can be tempting to eat unhealthy types of carbs and sugar at that time of the day. So how do you resist cravings and ensure you have a wholesome meal for breakfast? The key is to opt for simple dishes with yummy flavours and easy recipes, like Coconut Oatmeal. This dish combines the goodness of oats and coconut, along with flavours and fruits of your choice. Here's why you should make Coconut Oatmeal your breakfast staple:
(Also Read: 7 Foods You Should Never Have On An Empty Stomach)
Benefits of Coconut Oatmeal for Weight Loss:
Coconut Oatmeal has two key ingredients: oats and coconut (raw/ milk). Both of these elements have wide-ranging benefits for your body, but they are especially helpful in weight management:
How oats may help you lose weight:
Oats are loaded with dietary fibre: one cup of oats is said to contain around 8 grams of fibre. At the same time, they are low in calories but high in protein. Thus, consuming them will keep you filled for longer and keep cravings at bay. They also have a low glycemic index and studies have shown that such foods are especially useful for weight loss.
(Also Read: Healthy Diet: 5 Delicious Ways To Add Oats To Your Lunch)
How coconut may help you lose weight:
Coconut can do wonders for your body and immune system. Photo Credit: Unsplash
Coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of healthy fat that may aid in weight loss. They are also believed to help with insulin sensitivity, which in turn affects belly fat. However, due to its relatively higher calorie content, coconut milk needs to be consumed in moderation. You can still reap other benefits from drinking this milk, as it is said to regulate blood pressure, strengthen immunity and promote gut health. But if your primary goal is weight loss, pay attention to how much of this milk you consume.
(Also Read: Did You Know? Why Coconut Meat Or 'Nariyal Ki Malai' Is Great For Your Health)
You can choose to simply add raw coconut to your oatmeal and substitute coconut milk with another option. Raw coconut is low in carbs and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, thus making it ideal for those on a weight loss diet. It boosts metabolism and also helps curb binge eating.
How To Make Coconut Oatmeal At Home | 3 Easy Recipes for Coconut Oatmeal
1. Classic Coconut Oatmeal Recipe
To make Classic Coconut Oatmeal, you need to add coconut milk to a saucepan and heat it over medium flame. Once it starts to boil, add in the oats, shredded coconut, cinnamon and salt to taste. You can also use natural jaggery as a sweetener. Stir lightly and cook till the porridge has thickened to your liking. Garnish with banana pieces and almonds. Click here for the full recipe
2. Coconut Overnight Oats Recipe
Coconut overnight oats are refrigerated in a jar for a few hours, once all the ingredients are mixed. Photo Credit: Pixabay
To make coconut overnight oats, all you need to do is add the usual ingredients to a mason jar or similar container. So, combine coconut milk, oats, fruit pieces, dry fruits, cinnamon, honey, etc. in a jar and store it (covered) overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, mix the contents and enjoy chilled. You can also heat it slightly and add more coconut milk to thin the mixture.
3. Coconut-Flavoured Oatmeal Recipe
If you don't have coconut milk, you can still infuse the flavours of coconut into your oatmeal or porridge. Simply grate raw coconut and add generous amounts of it to the milk after you mix in the oats along with the other ingredients. You can garnish your oatmeal with extra shredded coconut at the end.
Delicious to taste and quick to put together, coconut oatmeal is a wonderful new dish to enjoy for breakfast. Try it for yourself and see!
(Also Read: This Oats Banana Muffin Makes A Sweet Addition To Your Weight Loss Diet)
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.