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The #1 Best Instant Oatmeal for Weight Loss, Says Dietitian

Just because you buy an instant oatmeal packet doesn't mean you can't stick to your health goals.

Oatmeal is a timeless, healthy breakfast choice full of fiber and protein, and there are endless possibilities for making your own personalized creation.

Oatmeal is also specifically great for weight loss goals because not only does its fiber content help with your digestion, but it also keeps you full for longer periods of time throughout the morning. Many nutrition experts recommend stocking up on steel-cut oats or rolled oats, but we all know that instant oats are a favorite amongst shoppers due to their convenience.

While they're the quickest and easiest oatmeal option, not all instant oatmeal packets will support your health goals in the same way.

According to Laura Burak, MS, RD, author of Slimdown with Smoothies, and founder of Laura Burak Nutrition, the best type of instant oatmeal to buy is anything that comes plain, so that you can add in your own ingredients.

"Instead of choosing sugary sweet instant oatmeal packs, buy any plain version you can find and doctor it up yourself with fruit, fiber, and added protein like nut butter and seeds," says Burak.

Continue reading to learn more about how you can make instant oatmeal to meet your weight loss goals, and for more healthy eating tips make sure to check out 6 Oatmeal Habits That Help With Weight Loss.

The best instant oatmeal is one that you can add your own toppings to.

Oatmeal
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The key when it comes to choosing a healthier instant oatmeal is avoiding the types that come with extra added sugar, especially because "most instant oatmeals on the market are full of added sugar, colors, other artificial flavors," says Burak.

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For example, it may seem fun to buy something like Quaker's Instant Oatmeal with Dinosaur Eggs, but this comes loaded with 11 grams of added sugar per serving. And even something a bit tamer, like Quaker's Cinnamon and Spice, comes with 10 grams of added sugar per serving as well.

Choosing a plain instant oatmeal may not seem as fun at first, but with zero grams of added sugar, it gives you the freedom to add your favorite toppings and ingredients while being able to control your portions.

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Samantha Boesch
Samantha was born and raised in Orlando, Florida and now works as a writer in Brooklyn, NY. Read more about Samantha