Starting your Paleo journey can be quite the challenge. Not only is it difficult to break old habits, but it can also be really hard to figure out what is kosher to eat and what isn't. Because oats are known for being a healthy, nutrient-rich food, many wonder if oats work with a Paleo diet. Today we are going to digest exactly how oats work with a Paleo diet.But first, let’s understand what the Paleo diet is:
What is the Paleo diet?
The Paleo diet is known as the caveman diet or stone-age diet, which dates back to the paleolithic era from a couple million years ago. The diet consists of eating foods that could be hunted or gathered, like in the paleolithic era. The paleo diet has been known to have potential health benefits because it’s a way of eating clean and a manner in which a person can lose weight.
What is okay to eat on the Paleo diet?
What you are able to eat on the Paleo diet consist of:
- Lean meats, preferably grass-fed animals
- Fish
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Grains
- Natural oils that are derived from fruits and nuts
Why are Oats not Paleo-friendly?
Although oats are a non-fattening healthy food for a more mainstream diet, oats do contain anti-nutrients that the Paleo diet aims to avoid such as phytic acid, lectins, and avenin. Not only do oats contain a few anti-nutrients, but they are also often contaminated with gluten.
Next, let’s go over exactly what these anti-nutrients are:
- Phytic acid: Very commonly found in grains, nuts, and seeds, and is found in the outer husk of the oat. Phytic acid can prevent your body from absorbing important minerals. Although oats do contain phytic acid, it contains a very little amount especially after being processed.
- Lectins: Lectins are proteins that the oat carries to ward off insects and other pests that can be damaging to the oat. Lectins, when digested, can play a role in the irritation of the digestive tract, causing discomfort.
- Avenin: Avenin is another protein found in the oat. If you have a gluten sensitivity, avenin can irritate your intestinal lining.
- Gluten: Although oats are naturally gluten-free, many oats become contaminated with gluten. This contamination comes from oats being processed in factories where other foods containing gluten are also processed. Gluten can also come from any additives the manufacturer may have included in the packaging.
But I Love Oatmeal! Can I Make it Work?
Honestly, we don’t blame you for loving a warm bowl of oat porridge on an early morning. It truly warms the soul. If you’re anything like us and just can’t imagine your life without oats, don’t worry. It’s not an end all be all situation. There are a couple of things you can do to make your oats more Paleo-friendly.
The first thing is to buy gluten-free oats. If you are having trouble finding gluten-free oats, you can find a wide variety of oats at Oats Overnightthat are gluten-free, nutrient-rich, and will be delivered straight to you.
Best Oats to Buy for a Paleo Diet
Oats Overnight offers deliciously nutritious, gluten-free oats that can be modified to work with your Paleo diet.In fact, many people add whey, kefir, or yogurt to their Oats Overnight for an added protein or acidic grain source. Check out our selection here.
FAQs
Why are Oats not Paleo-friendly? Although oats are a non-fattening healthy food for a more mainstream diet, oats do contain anti-nutrients that the Paleo diet aims to avoid such as phytic acid, lectins, and avenin. Not only do oats contain a few anti-nutrients, but they are also often contaminated with gluten.
Is oats overnight actually healthy? ›
When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.
Why overnight oats instead of oatmeal? ›
Overnight oats contain increased resistant starch. Resistant starch is a natural carb which is resistant to digestion and acts as soluble fiber. It is found in all starchy foods and is present at higher levels in cooled starchy foods instead of cooked ones.
Why are quick oats not good for overnight oats? ›
Tips for making the best overnight oats
Use plain old fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats. Quick oats will get too soggy when soaked with milk. And do not use steel cut oats because they won't soften enough to eat just with milk unfortunately. Try this steel cut overnight oatmeal instead.
Can you eat oats on an inflammatory diet? ›
You can lower inflammation over time by eating foods rich in nutrients. What are six anti-inflammatory foods? Berries, fatty fish, nuts, leafy greens, oatmeal, and olive oil can all be part of an anti-inflammatory diet. But it's best to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Can I eat overnight oats every day? ›
It is recommended eating around 50 grams of healthy oats every day as they can lower the risk of a lot of diseases. Protein packed: Oats are one of the best plant-based sources of protein, they contain around 14 grams of protein per 100 grams.
Are overnight oats healthy for weight loss? ›
There are countless health benefits of overnight oats, especially when it comes to your weight loss goals. It can keep you fuller for longer. For starters, oats can help keep you full, and in turn, can help reduce mindless snacking and excess calorie intake between meals.
Which is healthier, overnight oats or cooked oats? ›
Overnight oats are the more nutritious option, but that doesn't mean that this meal is for everyone.
Why you shouldn't eat overnight oats in the morning? ›
according to Chinese nutrition, why, because the food is cold. now, logically our bodies operated about 90.5 degrees. if you put something in your body. that's from the refrigerator, about fifty four, fifty five degrees, like overnight oats, then that actually will slow your digestion down.
What are the disadvantages of overnight oats? ›
As a dietitian, one disadvantage I see in many overnight oats (both recipes and ready made) is that they're too low in protein for a balanced meal. I typically recommend most clients aim between 20-30 grams of protein at a meal, and many overnight oat recipes fall well below that benchmark.
Here's what not to do when making overnight oats.
- Using water instead of milk. ...
- Forgetting to add salt. ...
- Using instant or steel cut oats. ...
- Adding berries to your oats at night. ...
- Not stirring your overnight oats. ...
- Forgetting to add spices and seasonings. ...
- Omitting nuts and seeds. ...
- Assuming you have to eat it cold.
Grains
- Quinoa.
- Rice.
- Oats.
- Wheat.
- Corn.
- Pasta.
- Bread.
- Crackers.
Best Paleo Cereal Recipes of 2019
- Instant Paleo Cinnamon Hot Cereal (Paleo Gluten Free Eats)
- Homemade Chunky Paleo Granola with Clusters (Beaming Baker)
- Paleo Cinnamon Crunch Cereal (Detoxinista)
- Extra Crisp Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal (Gnom Gnom)
- Cookie Crisp Paleo Cereal (Otto's Natural)
- Cinnamon Faux-st Crunch.
What carbs can you eat on paleo ?
- Cassava Root / 1 cup (206g) = 78g carbs.
- Plantains / 1 cup (148g) = 47g carbs.
- Taro Root / 1 cup (132g) = 46g carbs.
- Yam / 1 cup (136g) = 37g carbs.
- Acorn Squash / 1 cup (205g) = 31g carbs.
- Parnsips / 1 cup (178g) = 27g carbs.
- White Potato / 1 cup (122g) = 27g carbs.
The diet excludes cereal grains, legumes, dairy, processed oils, refined sugar, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and trans fats.
