Experts and government officials are publicly disagreeing with an influencer’s recommendation to eliminate grains, including oatmeal, from one’s diet. The influencer, Emil Thorup, claimed in a podcast that oatmeal causes blood sugar to spike, a statement experts refute.
Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Jacob Jensen (V) has encouraged people to prioritize balanced nutrition, while experts emphasize the benefits of whole grains like oatmeal.
Mette Hansen, a lecturer at the Department of Public Health at Aarhus University, recommends a breakfast consisting of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and protein. She advises limiting foods with added sugar, butter, and cold cuts.
Hansen strongly advocates for oatmeal, highlighting that whole grains contain healthy unsaturated fats and are associated with a lower risk of diet-related diseases.
Oatmeal is rich in dietary fiber, which can positively impact weight management.
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration recommends consuming 90 grams of whole grains daily, which can include a portion of oatmeal, a slice of whole grain rye bread, or a small portion of whole grain pasta. They also recommend varying the types of whole grains consumed.
Research suggests that eating breakfast, especially a protein-rich meal like skyr with oatmeal, can improve concentration and satiety throughout the morning.
A study comparing different breakfasts found that participants who ate skyr with oatmeal performed best on concentration tests and reported feeling less hungry.
Good sources of protein include dairy products and eggs, which also contain essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. While past advice suggested limiting egg intake due to cholesterol content, current research indicates that healthy individuals can generally eat eggs without concern.
Fruit and vegetables offer essential vitamins and minerals, with options like berries on oatmeal, cherry tomatoes with eggs, or carrots and peppers being good choices.
Eating a larger portion of your daily calories earlier in the day can promote greater satiety and reduce the likelihood of unhealthy snacking.