They say, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” and we can’t say it’s not true. We need all the vitamins we can get in the morning to keep us going through the day.
Some of the best choices are various cereals and oatmeal. They are easy to make and have a lot of health benefits. But wait, does this breakfast choice apply to those who chose a particular type of nutrition – can you eat quick oats on paleo?
If you are curious about having quick oats while following a paleo diet and some other essential details about this popular breakfast, stay with us.
No Oats In Your Paleo!
Like the paleo diet claims, no grains in this diet. This rule applies to oats and oatmeal – they are a type of grain and contain antinutrients that can cause inflammation. If you decide to follow this type of nourishment, you must give up quick oats.
Watch out for these antinutrients in your oats:
- Avenin – this is harmful to people who are not tolerant of gluten and can cause all kinds of rashes.
- Phytic acid – this is an ingredient found in almost every type of grain. Too much of this can cause mineral deficiency.
- Lectins – this is produced by plants, and it can have a detrimental effect on your digestive tract. Not all lectins are dangerous, but those toxic ones are hazardous for people with a sensitive immune system.
- Gluten – paleo diet advocates no gluten, and in some quick oats, there is a ton of it. (wheat, barley)
- Carbohydrates – this is a huge no for those following a paleo diet because they contribute to gaining weight very fast.
Quick Oats – A Quick Overview
Quick oats are crunched and consumed as oatmeal. They can be found in all kinds of food – baked goods, muesli, granola, etc.
Nutritional Values In 100g Of Raw Oats Are:
| 389 calories |
| 8% of water |
| 16.9 gr of proteins |
| 0 gr of sugar |
| 10.6 gr of fiber |
| 6.9 gr of fat |
| 66.3 gr of carbohydrates |
The Pros And Cons Of Quick Oats
Like every other nutrient, oats have their good and bad side. Let’s take a look at both.
The Good Side Of Oats
- Lower bad cholesterol levels – they are said to reduce bad cholesterol and prevent some serious heart diseases.
- Prevent type 2 diabetes – these grains can moderate the sugar levels in your blood. Studies have shown that these grains can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the chances of diabetes by 40%.
- Boost fullness – oats are a great energy source and can contribute to the feeling of fullness by eating just one bowel.
- Other benefits – reducing the chances of asthma, viruses, fungi, bacteria, etc.
The Bad Side Of Oats
- Gluten intolerance – people who are sensitive to gluten should avoid this food.
- Wheat allergy – people who are allergic to this ingredient should buy only oats certified as pure.
On The Look For Healthy Oats
Here are some tips that could come in handy when searching for the healthiest version of this food.
- Less than 200 mg of sodium.
- Less than 6 gr of sugar.
- At least 3 gr of fibers.
And if you want to make your oats even more healthy, here is another set of tips:
- Soak your oats – this considerably reduces the antinutrients which we categorized as harmful. Do this with yogurt, lemon, or cider, and let it rest for a while.
- Add some oat flour – this increases the fiber and protein intake.
- Add some spices or dried fruit – this contributes to the flavor.
Quick Oats Alternatives
Maybe you can’t have your regular oats, but you can improvise with some just as healthy alternatives.
- 3-layer Raspberry Almond Butter “Oats” – This overnight snack with chia seeds, almond butter, and raspberries is a health bomb.
- Grain-free Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal – This is a great way to start your morning. You can add some bananas to sweeten it or cashews for that crunchy feel.
- Nut And Seed Overnight Oatmeal – Grab all of your necessary proteins with this pumpkin, walnut, and almond dish.
- 3-minute Ultimate Paleo Breakfast Porridge – If you are short on time and need a quick snack before school or work, this mix is the perfect solution.
- Banana And Cream Oatmeal – this tasty dish is filled with bananas, coconut butter, and some cinnamon. Yum!
- Chia Coconut Strawberry Paleo Porridge – This pinkish strawberry sweetness with a little chia brings the fun and color back when it comes to breakfast.
- Grain-free Gingerbread Porridge –This delicious porridge with ginger and maple syrup is made for cold mornings.
How Long Can I Keep My Oats?
You should know how long and where to keep your quick oats. Nobody wants to eat sour oats for breakfast.
When you come home with your bag of quick oats, the best way to store them is in the pantry. If not opened, this bag can last for one year (but check the date on the back just in case).
On the other hand, if you have already used some of your oats in the preparation of your meal, it will be good for 4-6 days maximum. After opening the bag, be sure to seal it tightly after using it.
If you don’t want to eat sour oats, here are some red flags.
If you find your oats
- Clenched together
- With a funny color
- Or happen to see some mold, throw them right away.
Can You Eat Quick Oats On Paleo – Conclusion
Although oats are a prevalent breakfast choice, they aren’t a part of the paleo diet. Oats are a part of grains, which is not acceptable for those following a paleo way of eating.
These grains also contain some antinutrients, which can be harmful to some individuals. For example, avenin is detrimental to people who are sensitive to gluten; lectins are dangerous for the digestive tract, and carbohydrates contribute to gaining weight.
100gr of raw oats contain 389 calories, 8% of water, 16.9 gr of protein, 66.3 gr of carbohydrates, 0 gr of sugar, 10.6 gr of fiber, and 6.9 gr of fat.
Like every other nutrient, this product has both good and bad sides, and it is up to us to recognize them. The good thing about quick oats is that they can lower your bad cholesterol level, they can prevent type 2 diabetes by 40%, and they can boost the feeling of fullness.
On the other hand, this product is hazardous for people who are either allergic to wheat or sensitive to gluten.
When searching for healthy oats, make sure they have less than 200 mg of sodium, less than 6 gr of sugar, and at least 3 gr of fibers. To contribute, even more, let them soak and add some dried fruits, spices, or yogurt.
Although you can’t have quick oats on paleo, you get your way around with some healthy alternatives: 3-layer Raspberry Almond Butter “Oats,” Nut And Seed Overnight Oatmeal, 3-minute Ultimate Paleo Breakfast Porridge, etc.
It is also essential for you to know how to store this healthy nutrient. First, keep them in the pantry and tightly sealed after you have opened your bag.
Quick oats can last in your pantry for one year (but check the date just in case) – this goes for the uncooked version. The cooked one is good for 4-6 days. After that, please don’t eat it.
