Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and though you may know that indulging in too many holiday treats may be harmful for your health – and certainly your waistline – that doesn’t dampen the temptation in the slightest. While you certainly deserve to partake in some of your favorite Thanksgiving fare, there are ways that you can keep yourself from going overboard. One method is to fill up on healthier options throughout the day so you don’t feel ravenous when you sit down for the big meal itself.
Recently, researchers from Louisiana State University revealed that enjoying a piping hot bowl of oatmeal in the morning may provide a more prolonged feeling of fullness than your typical bowl of breakfast cereal. Forty-eight healthy participants were recruited for the study, and each was given oatmeal or cereal as their first meal of the day. The researchers then sought to determine how this choice affected their appetite overall and whether it could help them make wiser choices later.
“Oatmeal improves appetite control and increases satiety. The effects may be attributed to the viscosity and hydration properties of its β-glucan content,” the scientists concluded in a study abstract.
If you do decide to savor oatmeal at the start of your day, don’t miss the opportunity to incorporate ingredients that can promote brain health and even boost your immune systems. As we reported last weeks, new research has shown that nuts have been linked to living a longer life. And don’t forget that blueberries and strawberries contain high stores of antioxidants and other healthy compounds. Not to mention they can also add a welcome burst of flavor to what could be a rather bland breakfast.
By choosing healthy and filling meals throughout the week, you can still enjoy your favorite holiday foods with the confidence that you simply won’t have room in your stomach to overindulge.