Thursday, September 10, 2009

BRRRR...

Okay so it's only going to be a high of 68 degrees today which means that in a matter of weeks I will see my breath and have to wait to heat up the car. Ughh!! But I do secretly like this in between weather. I say it's perfect for sweater and shorts/cuddling . As a sign of the changing times it's time to change up the diet to something hotter and a little bit more filling.

What's more perfect than oats. Oats is September's Superfood and it packs a whallop of a punch. First off oats are available anywhere (even the Bodega carries the instant Quaker Oats ). They are super cheap (although Stop and Shop did raise the price on the store brand ...$2.00 what happened to $1.89???) and it's easy to incorporate into your day no matter how hectic your schedule.

Oats are low in calories, high in fiber and protein, and they help lower cholesterol levels significantly. I'm sure you've seen those Honey Nut Cheerios and Quaker Oats commercials...right?? The main active ingredient responsible for lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) is the soluble fiber**, beta glucan. According to Superfoods , studies have shown that eating a bowl of oatmeal (make sure it has 3 grams of fiber) can lower total cholesterol anywhere between 8 - 23%. Which that my friends is alot!!!

Besides kicking cholesterol's ass, oats are a good source of magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and vitamin E.

Below is a partial list of oat sidekicks and their fiber content. Remember 1 gram of fiber burns 5 calories:

Triticale 8.7 grams
Barley 8 grams
Wheat Bran 6.5 grams
Rye 6.2 grams
Wheat germ 3.8 grams
Quinoa 2.5 grams
Brown Rice .9 grams
White Rice .2 grams

**Soluble Fiber- type of fiber that dissolves in water and turns into gel during digestion. It's a good guy because it slows down digestion and food absorption. In other words you feel fuller longer.

IT'S ALMOST FRIDAY...hang in there and don't mess up your diet with after hour cocktails tonight!!

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