Oatmeal before workout

   Oats (Avena sativa) are a whole-grain cereal that is predominantly produced in North America and Europe. They’re high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as a good source of fiber, especially beta-glucan.                                                                                                                    

  Avenanthramides, a rare group of antioxidants thought to defend against heart disease, may only be found in whole oats.

The benefits of oatmeal

     Oats have received a lot of popularity as a healthy food because of their many benefits, such as reducing blood sugar and cholesterol level.

They can be eaten as oatmeal (porridge) or used in baked goods, bread, muesli, granola and are most commonly rolled or crushed.                                                                                                                                                      

 Oatmeal is made by rolling or crushing the grains into flat flakes and toasting them lightly.

Quick oatmeal, also known as instant oatmeal, is made up of thinly rolled or cut oats that absorb water more quickly and cook faster.  The bran, or grain’s fiber-rich outer layer, is mainly eaten separately as a cereal, in muesli, or bread.

Oatmeal with protein powder is probably the best pre-workout meal because it provides both short and long-term energy to help you get through your workout.

Oatmeal meal ideas before workouts

     Blueberries, oatmeal, and protein powder

Oatmeal before workout. Oatmeal’s complex carbs break down slowly in your system, giving you more energy for more extended periods. Add a scoop of protein powder to boost the nutritional value. Antioxidants found in fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, and cherries will help protect muscles from damage caused by working out.

Since oats are heavy and take a long time to digest, save this snack for when you have more than an hour before a workout to digest them. Steel-cut or whole oats are also good options for a pre-workout snack.

However, when making oatmeal or oat-based cookies, make sure there isn’t a lot of sugar added, especially if you’re using packaged instant oatmeal. If you want something sweet, it’s better to use natural sugar from fruits such as berries or apples.

Eating oatmeal after a workout.

      Nutritious carbs like oatmeal, which quickly replenishes hardworking muscles, can be eaten immediately after a workout as well. Make a batch of hot oatmeal or throw a handful of oats into your favorite pancake recipe – it’s a quick and easy grain to cook. Whether oatmeal is eaten before or after a workout, the nutrients will do you good.

Nutrients in oatmeal that help develop muscle.

   Oatmeal provides nutrients that the body uses to create muscle, in addition to being high in complex carbohydrates and protein. 3.4 mg of iron and 0.9 mg of niacin are contained in one cup of dry oatmeal. The B vitamins aid in converting carbohydrates into energy, while iron aids in the transportation of oxygen into the bloodstream and muscles.

Oatmeal is beneficial to one’s digestive system.

     Oats can function as probiotics, which aid in the growth of beneficial bacteria in our gut. These beneficial bacteria can help to strengthen the immune system and improve gastrointestinal health, particularly in people who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders.