Why are Oats so Good for You?

Photo: Oh She Glows (www.google.com)

Unlike processed grains, Oats are whole grains that are intact so they have more nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fiber.

The type of fiber Oats contain is soluble and that is the type that can help to lower cholesterol.

Oats help to facilitate Bone Development as well.

They are a great source of Carbohydrates when compared to bread, brown rice etc. and actually slightly better than whole wheat/grain bread because 1 cup of cooked Oats has 4g fiber and more.

1 serving of cooked Oats is equivalent to ~1/2 cup.

How do you measure when cooking? Oats has a 1:2 ratio. 1/2 cup dry Oats yields 1 cup of cooked Oats.

Ensure that if you are using milk, you use almond milk or skimmed milk.

If you are tracking your servings of Carbs for the day, note that 1 serving of bread is 1 slice and 1 cup of cooked Oats is equivalent to almost 2 slices of bread.

1 cup of Oats is ideal but if you would like to add more flavour, use half a cup of cooked Oats and add fruits such as Strawberries, Blueberries, a touch of Raisins or Banana, Flaxseeds and Chia seeds. You could also add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon.

Go cook up some Oats and have a great start to your day!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Include Fat-Burning Beans in your Diet!

Beans help to burn Body Fat! They contain a high amount of Protein, which helps to boost the metabolism, thus feeling energized to exercise.

Beans are also full of fiber, which of course helps to control your eating habits because they are considered to have slow-release carbs, thus help you to feel fuller for longer.

So stock up on your Garbanzo beans, Pinto beans, Navy (white) beans, Black beans, Soybeans, Kidney beans and Lima beans.

Pinto beans are usually used in Burritos and Black beans can be used to make a delicious, creamy, Black bean spread for Chicken Fajitas.

Here are a few more fun ways that Beans can be cooked up and eaten to fiber you up:

Chicken and Beans with Mint Pesto

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Photo: Faith Durand

Cuban Black Bean Soup

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Photo: Faith Durand

Black Bean Edamame Burgers

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Photo: Megan Gordon

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with White Beans and Kale

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Photo: Emily Han