Oatmeal & Athletes: A Powerful Combination
Oatmeal is a breakfast for champions and an excellent sports food for athletes of all ages and abilities. Questions arise: Why is oatmeal so beneficial for athletes? Are steel-cut oats better than quick-cooking oats? Does oatmeal really “stick to your ribs”? And for some, “Why would anyone even want to eat oatmeal?? It’s so gluey … yuck!
Let’s take a look at what you might want to know about this popular sports food.
Oatmeal (also known as porridge in parts of the world) refers to de-husked oats (groats) that have been cut into small bits (steel-cut) or flattened with rollers (rolled oats). Regardless of how the groat is processed, all types of oatmeal are 100% whole grain and offer similar amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. What differs is the cooking time, shape (rolled or steel-cut), texture (chewy or smooth), and whether or not they are all-natural or fortified with iron.
Which Type Of Oatmeal Is Best?
The answer depends on your taste preference and available cooking time.
Steel-cut oats take 20 to 30 minutes to cook. They have a chewier texture than rolled oats. Despite popular belief, steel-cut oats are nutritionally similar (not superior) to rolled oats.
Old-fashioned oats (rolled oats) cook in 5 to 10 minutes and have a firm texture. They can be eaten uncooked with milk, like any dry cereal, or in the form of muesli or overnight oats.
Quick-cooking oats are ready in a minute on the stovetop. Because they are rolled thinner than old-fashioned oats, they cook quicker and have a smoother texture.
Instant oats cook quickly in the microwave. They are pre-cooked, rolled thin, dried, and then rehydrated to be eaten. They can be fortified (or not) with iron. Some flavors are sugar-laden and perhaps a better choice for dessert than breakfast.
Benefits From Eating Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the most affordable whole grains, perfect for hungry athletes on a budget. At least half your daily grains should be whole grains. Oats for breakfast give you a good start to reaching that whole grain goal for the day.
Oats are a “safe” choice for a pre-event meal. They are low in certain fibers (referred to as FODMAPS) that send some athletes to the porta-toilets.
Soluble Fiber
Oats contain a type of soluble fiber (beta-glucan) that makes cooked oats gluey, but can benefit endurance athletes. Beta-glucan slows the absorption of carbs over 2 to 3 hours, helping you feel satiated for a long time. Hence, oatmeal sticks to your ribs; it’s a good pre-exercise choice for sustained energy.
Protein
Oats have about 5 grams of protein per ½ cup dry serving. A good protein target for breakfast is about 20 grams, so cook the oats in 1 cup milk (dairy milk offer 8 g protein/8 ounces; soy milk offers 7g protein)/8 ounces) and stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter or ¼ cup of nuts (8 g pro), and you’ll have a super sports breakfast.
Iron
Fortified oats offer extra iron, a mineral important for athletes who do not eat red meat. A packet of plain Quaker Instant Oatmeal offers 40% of the DV for iron; regular oats offer only 6%. Be sure to read the Nutrition Facts label for information about iron content, particularly if you eat little red meat (an excellent source of iron).
Fiber
Oats have some fiber, but only about 4 grams per serving (1/2 cup dry rolled oats, 1/4 c dry steel-cut oats). Given the daily fiber target is 25 to 38 grams (achieved by only 10% of women and 3% of men), oats make a small contribution—but more fiber than if you were to have just eggs for breakfast.
Antioxidants
Oats contain an antioxidant called avenanthramide (AVA). AVA can reduce the oxidative stress created by vigorous exercise. New research hints that pre-exercise oatmeal might have a protective effect that could reduce inflammation and muscle damage. Stay tuned.
Gluten-Free
While naturally gluten-free, oats are often processed in a factory that also processes (gluten-containing) wheat. If you have celiac disease, you want to make sure you buy gluten-free oats (Bob’s Red Mill Oats, Quaker Gluten-Free Oats).
How To Boost Your Oat Intake
Oats are versatile. You can cook them in water, preferably in milk, to add protein, calcium, and creaminess. The suggested ratio is 1 cup (8 oz) of liquid for each half-cup rolled oats or ¼ cup steel-cut oats.
Cook oats in broth, season with soy sauce, or top with sriracha for a savory option. Or add some cheese and spinach when cooking, then top the oatmeal with a poached egg.
As an athlete, you lose sodium in your sweat, so don’t be afraid to make oatmeal tasty by sprinkling on some salt. A quarter teaspoon salt per ½ cup dry oats helps change the bowl of glue into a yummier breakfast.
Add sweetener, if desired, to make the oatmeal taste even better—honey, maple syrup, raisins, chopped dates. These extra carbs offer fuel for your muscles. According to the US Dietary Guidelines, 10% of daily calories can come from added sugar. For an athlete that’s perhaps 200 calories (50 grams) of added sugar—guilt‑free!
Don’t have time to cook oats in the morning? Make overnight oats the night before! There’s no wrong way to make overnight oats. In a 16-ounce glass jar (such as a peanut butter jar), combine ½ cup old-fashioned oats, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, fruit-of-your choice (banana, berries), and optional add-ins, such as chia seeds and maple syrup. Refrigerate at least 2 hours for the oats to soften, if not overnight.
Add rolled oats to a recovery shake or fruit smoothie for a thicker texture, as well as for more carbs to refuel your muscles.
Read More: 6 Ways to Power Up Your Oatmeal
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MOST POPULAR
Oatmeal & Athletes: A Powerful Combination
Oatmeal is a breakfast for champions and an excellent sports food for athletes of all ages and abilities. Questions arise: Why is oatmeal so beneficial for athletes? Are steel-cut oats better than quick-cooking oats? Does oatmeal really “stick to your ribs”? And for some, “Why would anyone even want to eat oatmeal?? It’s so gluey … yuck!
Let’s take a look at what you might want to know about this popular sports food.
Oatmeal (also known as porridge in parts of the world) refers to de-husked oats (groats) that have been cut into small bits (steel-cut) or flattened with rollers (rolled oats). Regardless of how the groat is processed, all types of oatmeal are 100% whole grain and offer similar amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. What differs is the cooking time, shape (rolled or steel-cut), texture (chewy or smooth), and whether or not they are all-natural or fortified with iron.
Which Type Of Oatmeal Is Best?
The answer depends on your taste preference and available cooking time.
Steel-cut oats take 20 to 30 minutes to cook. They have a chewier texture than rolled oats. Despite popular belief, steel-cut oats are nutritionally similar (not superior) to rolled oats.
Old-fashioned oats (rolled oats) cook in 5 to 10 minutes and have a firm texture. They can be eaten uncooked with milk, like any dry cereal, or in the form of muesli or overnight oats.
Quick-cooking oats are ready in a minute on the stovetop. Because they are rolled thinner than old-fashioned oats, they cook quicker and have a smoother texture.
Instant oats cook quickly in the microwave. They are pre-cooked, rolled thin, dried, and then rehydrated to be eaten. They can be fortified (or not) with iron. Some flavors are sugar-laden and perhaps a better choice for dessert than breakfast.
Benefits From Eating Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the most affordable whole grains, perfect for hungry athletes on a budget. At least half your daily grains should be whole grains. Oats for breakfast give you a good start to reaching that whole grain goal for the day.
Oats are a “safe” choice for a pre-event meal. They are low in certain fibers (referred to as FODMAPS) that send some athletes to the porta-toilets.
Soluble Fiber
Oats contain a type of soluble fiber (beta-glucan) that makes cooked oats gluey, but can benefit endurance athletes. Beta-glucan slows the absorption of carbs over 2 to 3 hours, helping you feel satiated for a long time. Hence, oatmeal sticks to your ribs; it’s a good pre-exercise choice for sustained energy.
Protein
Oats have about 5 grams of protein per ½ cup dry serving. A good protein target for breakfast is about 20 grams, so cook the oats in 1 cup milk (dairy milk offer 8 g protein/8 ounces; soy milk offers 7g protein)/8 ounces) and stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter or ¼ cup of nuts (8 g pro), and you’ll have a super sports breakfast.
Iron
Fortified oats offer extra iron, a mineral important for athletes who do not eat red meat. A packet of plain Quaker Instant Oatmeal offers 40% of the DV for iron; regular oats offer only 6%. Be sure to read the Nutrition Facts label for information about iron content, particularly if you eat little red meat (an excellent source of iron).
Fiber
Oats have some fiber, but only about 4 grams per serving (1/2 cup dry rolled oats, 1/4 c dry steel-cut oats). Given the daily fiber target is 25 to 38 grams (achieved by only 10% of women and 3% of men), oats make a small contribution—but more fiber than if you were to have just eggs for breakfast.
Antioxidants
Oats contain an antioxidant called avenanthramide (AVA). AVA can reduce the oxidative stress created by vigorous exercise. New research hints that pre-exercise oatmeal might have a protective effect that could reduce inflammation and muscle damage. Stay tuned.
Gluten-Free
While naturally gluten-free, oats are often processed in a factory that also processes (gluten-containing) wheat. If you have celiac disease, you want to make sure you buy gluten-free oats (Bob’s Red Mill Oats, Quaker Gluten-Free Oats).
How To Boost Your Oat Intake
Oats are versatile. You can cook them in water, preferably in milk, to add protein, calcium, and creaminess. The suggested ratio is 1 cup (8 oz) of liquid for each half-cup rolled oats or ¼ cup steel-cut oats.
Cook oats in broth, season with soy sauce, or top with sriracha for a savory option. Or add some cheese and spinach when cooking, then top the oatmeal with a poached egg.
As an athlete, you lose sodium in your sweat, so don’t be afraid to make oatmeal tasty by sprinkling on some salt. A quarter teaspoon salt per ½ cup dry oats helps change the bowl of glue into a yummier breakfast.
Add sweetener, if desired, to make the oatmeal taste even better—honey, maple syrup, raisins, chopped dates. These extra carbs offer fuel for your muscles. According to the US Dietary Guidelines, 10% of daily calories can come from added sugar. For an athlete that’s perhaps 200 calories (50 grams) of added sugar—guilt‑free!
Don’t have time to cook oats in the morning? Make overnight oats the night before! There’s no wrong way to make overnight oats. In a 16-ounce glass jar (such as a peanut butter jar), combine ½ cup old-fashioned oats, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, fruit-of-your choice (banana, berries), and optional add-ins, such as chia seeds and maple syrup. Refrigerate at least 2 hours for the oats to soften, if not overnight.
Add rolled oats to a recovery shake or fruit smoothie for a thicker texture, as well as for more carbs to refuel your muscles.
Read More: 6 Ways to Power Up Your Oatmeal