Oatmeal or smoothie: What's better breakfast for energy boost?
Which is better to eat in the morning: oatmeal or smoothie (photo: Freepik)
Breakfast is the key to a lively start to the day. Should you choose a light and quick smoothie or a hearty oatmeal to get the maximum energy in the morning? Here are the benefits of both options, according to Real Simple.
Benefits of oatmeal for breakfast
Dietitian Lauren Twigge said that oatmeal is a common breakfast dish that can be an excellent choice for a long energy boost. Due to its solid form, oatmeal is digested more slowly and helps you feel full for longer.
Oatmeal is rich in a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which can potentially lower levels of "bad" cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The key to getting oatmeal's energy-boosting benefits is to create a balanced bowl. This means avoiding added sugar and increasing protein intake.
The best way is to top oatmeal with berries and fruits. To increase its protein content, use dairy products instead of water and add an egg. Nuts and Greek yogurt are also great additions to the bowl.
Per 100 g of product:
- Calories – 102
- Carbohydrates – 18.3 g
- Fiber – 2.73 g
- Protein – 3.56 g
- Fats – 1.76 g
Benefits of a smoothie for breakfast
According to the expert, smoothies can be an excellent source of fruits, fiber, and phytonutrients. They can be rich in satiating nutrients such as protein and may also promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome.
To maximize protein and fiber in a smoothie, it is good to add dairy products, nut butter, seeds, Greek yogurt, and leafy greens. This also adds some healthy fats and helps offset the high carbohydrate content of fruits.
In 350 g of smoothie made with strawberries, banana, and low-fat yogurt, you may find the following nutrients:
- Calories – 226
- Carbohydrates – 52 g
- Fiber – 3.12 g
- Protein – 2.98 g
- Fats – 0.49 g
- Vitamin C – 18 mg
- Vitamin B6 – 0.38 mg
Which breakfast gives more energy
Oatmeal is a solid food, while a smoothie is liquid. This difference can affect digestion speed. Smoothies are digested slightly faster since they require less chewing.
However, oatmeal is digested more slowly and helps you feel full for longer.
Smoothies are a great option for those who need food that is easy to digest.
Regardless of which you choose, be sure to include enough protein, fiber, and healthy fats in your diet.
Earlier, we explained how a popular breakfast prevents weight loss.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
