Latest news with #oatmeal
News.com.au
7 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Five foods that can make you poop
Stuck in pur-gut-ory? You're not alone. While chronic stomach issues are worth getting checked out, a bit of bathroom bottleneck from time to time is normal — if not wildly unpleasant. The good news is that experiencing the anti-runs doesn't require a pharmacy run, as several foods can help clear your colon's traffic jam. 'As a gastroenterologist, I see patients struggle with constipation all the time,' Dr. Mikhail Yakubov of Manhattan Gastroenterology told The Post. 'While medications can help, the most natural first step is often what's on your plate.' Here are five foods that can gently get things rolling when your gut's on strike. Kiwis 'Kiwi is a hidden gem when it comes to gut health,' Yakubov said, noting that this fuzzy little fruit is 'rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre, but it also contains an enzyme called actinidin, which may help stimulate digestion.' According to Yakubov, one or two per day should be sufficient for most people and — as a bonus — it's 'low in sugar and doesn't cause bloating like some other fruits.' Oatmeal It's a fan favourite among fitness junkies for a reason. 'Oats are packed with soluble fibre — especially beta-glucan — which helps soften stool by drawing water into the bowel,' he said. 'This makes it easier to pass. A bowl of plain oatmeal in the morning is a great start,' Yakubov added. A recent study found that eating oatmeal regularly can also help reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, so it's an all-round winner. 'Just skip the overly processed flavoured packets, which often have added sugar that can slow motility,' Yakubov suggested. Chia seeds 'These tiny seeds absorb many times their weight in water, forming a gel-like substance that bulks up and softens stool,' he said. 'They're also rich in omega-3s and fibre.' Yakubov recommends stirring a tablespoon or two into water, yoghurt or a smoothie for a healthy snack — just make sure to let them sit for at least 10 minutes to give them a chance to fully expand before eating. Coffee You're not imagining things — that morning cup of joe really can get things moving. 'It's not just a caffeine jolt; it actually stimulates the muscles of the colon,' he said. 'For some people, it works within minutes of drinking it. A cup in the morning can help jump-start the gut,' he added. However, Yakubov cautions that too much caffeine can have a dehydrating effect, making constipation worse in the long run, so best to pair your Java with plenty of water. Cooked spinach Ah, spinach — you think you've got tons of it until you cook it and it quickly dwindles down to nothing, mostly because it's 90 per cent to 95 per cent water. That's also part of what makes this nutritional powerhouse so healthy. 'Spinach is a good source of magnesium, which helps draw water into the intestines,' Yakubov said. 'It's also high in fibre and iron — especially important if constipation is linked to anaemia.' It's the perfect green to pair with your favourite protein. 'A half-cup of cooked spinach adds moisture and fibre to meals,' he said. And it makes for an even smoother ride than a salad. 'Cooked greens are generally easier to digest than raw for people prone to bloating,' he said. Fun fact: A full bag of fresh spinach (roughly 10 ounces) can cook down to just a cup or less of sauteed greens, so buy two. So what's the takeaway? 'Most foods that help relieve constipation fall into predictable categories: high-fibre fruits, seeds, leafy greens, whole grains,' he said. 'From a medical standpoint, there's not really a surprising 'magic' food that reliably helps people poop,' Yakubov said. But if he had to choose? 'I think the best one that fits your answer will be coffee.'
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
12 cheap fast food options that are surprisingly healthy
Saving money and eating tasty, yet healthy, is pretty much everyone's aspiration. Fast food may seem like the enemy of good nutrition, yet with a bit of research, as we did, you can discover plenty of affordable, wholesome items that fit right into your drive-through routine. Add these surprisingly healthy options to your order, and you will enjoy the convenience of fast food without straining either your diet or your budget. The Chick-fil-A grilled chicken sandwich is a great choice thanks to its lean grilled chicken breast and whole grain bun. It has become a favorite among dietitians, and it's easy to see why. The official nutrition panel lists the sandwich as containing 390 calories and 28 grams of protein. The relatively high protein-to-calorie ratio helps people stay full on the road. Swap fries for a fruit cup, and why not also try it with extra lettuce and tomato, which the kitchen usually adds at no charge. Breakfast suffers under the same sticker shock that has hit groceries and rent. Yet, McDonald's Fruit & Maple Oatmeal still shows a $1.99 price tag in many U.S. restaurants. The chain's own nutrition panel lists 320 calories, which is an excellent light morning meal option. At a time when a single croissant sandwich can crack the five-dollar mark, this bowl gives you more fiber for fewer coins and leaves you feeling warm rather than weighed down. You can trim extra sugar by skipping the brown-sugar packet, and my favorite extra is a shake of cinnamon, which is free. Taco Bell's Veggie Power Menu Bowl is one of the rare meals that hasn't sprinted out of the value lane and costs less than $5. Loaded with beans, rice, lettuce, guacamole, and salsa, this bowl gives you 12 grams of plant-based protein and fiber in one go. Customizing stays easy: ask the staff to skip cheese and sour cream for a lighter bowl, or why not also try it with extra pico de gallo for a bright kick that costs nothing. Blaze Pizza's Build‑Your‑Own pie with cauliflower crust is a healthy option, as the crust is lower in calories and refined carbs compared to traditional dough. A single slice of the specialty crust contains only 94 calories, 15 g of carbs, 2.3 g of fat, and 4 g of protein, as the dough replaces refined flour with real cauliflower blended with a touch of rice and cheese. You can also customize the pizza and build your own healthy lunch the way you crave! Breakfast prices at most chains have sprinted ahead of rent, yet Starbucks's Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites still land in the $5–$7 window. Starbucks Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites are packed with protein and made with just egg whites, spinach, and red peppers. No crazy extra ingredients needed! They are low in carbs and calories, with just 170 per serving, which sounds like the ideal quick, balanced breakfast. Because Starbucks cooks them sous vide, the texture remains silky, and you avoid the greasy skillet. Chipotle's build-your-own chicken salad bowl shows how smart ingredient picks turn a grab-and-go order into a macro marvel. Stick with romaine, black beans, grilled chicken, fresh tomato salsa, and fajita veggies, and you'll land at a reasonable calorie count with great protein and fiber content. My favorite flourish is an extra scoop of pico de gallo plus a squeeze of lime. Bright, refreshing, and usually on the house. Rewards members can earn ten points per dollar on every order. Panera Bread's Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich strikes a rare balance of flavor, nutrition, and cost. A whole sandwich comes in at 440 calories with 17 g of protein. Layers of cilantro-jalapeño hummus, crunchy cucumbers, tomatoes, peppadew peppers, and feta deliver plenty of pop; why not also try it with an extra handful of cucumbers for added crunch at no extra cost? The sandwich bears Panera's climate-friendly Cool Food Meal badge and meets the chain's 'Clean' ingredient promise, which rejects artificial preservatives and colors. Oh, and did I mention it is under $7 for this delicious sandwich? Another win! Dunkin's Veggie Egg White Wake-Up Wrap punches above its weight for both nutrition and price. The latest nutrition data shows that the wrap contains approximately 180–190 calories, 14–15 grams of carbs, and 8 grams of protein, thanks to a filling of cage-free egg whites, peppers, onions, and a warm tortilla. This nutritious, quick, on-the-go breakfast will cost you right around $3. You can grab it fast, enjoy every bite, and not feel weighed down at all! It may seem a little odd to order just a chicken breast at a fast food restaurant, but it is actually very flavorful on its own and works well if you're watching your fat or carb intake. KFC's Kentucky Grilled Chicken Breast layers the Colonel's famous 11-herb spice rub on a lean, skin-on breast that never sees the deep fryer. One piece comes in at roughly 220 calories, 40 grams of protein, and zero carbs, and costs about five dollars in most regions. Because the meat is seasoned, rested, and finished in a high-heat grill, fat drips away while moisture stays locked in. Add a complimentary packet of KFC hot sauce for extra zip without spending or loading up on calories. Burger King's Garden Side Salad is one of the few fast-food menu items that lets you swap starch for real produce without paying a premium. The company's nutrition sheet lists 14 calories when ordered plain. Trading Burger King's Garden Side Salad for a small order of fries is a textbook example of how a tiny menu choice can reshape a meal. Add a squeeze of lemon or a light drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette instead of salted ketchup, and the swap delivers a crisp, refreshing side that supports nutrient intake and portion control without sacrificing flavor. A company press release first featured this entrée on a '5 Under 500 Calories' list. El Pollo Loco's Chicken Black Bean Bowl begins with citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken breast that adds smoky depth without the grease of frying. The bowl stacks slow-simmered black beans, steamed broccoli, pico de gallo, avocado, and a dusting of cotija, coming in at about 460 calories and 37 grams of protein, according to the chain's own nutrition guide. Jack in the Box's Chicken Fajita Pita is a handheld worth slowing down for: citrus-marinated grilled chicken, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and a side of fire-roasted salsa tucked inside a warm whole-grain pita. Company nutrition tables show 320 calories with 27 g of protein. These numbers rival those of many 'light' chicken wraps, yet they deliver more vegetables and substantially less saturated fat than a typical fried-chicken sandwich. Ask for an extra spoonful of tomatoes or jalapeños; many locations include those veggies at no additional cost, although some may add a small upcharge.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cardiologist reveals his ‘go-to' breakfast for a healthy heart
A cardiologist has revealed his favorite breakfast for keeping his heart healthy. Often touted as the most important meal of the day, breakfast fuels you for the hours ahead. However, popular options like muffins, donuts, bacon, and processed cereals are typically high in cholesterol and sugar, making them less ideal for a healthy start. With that in mind, multiple cardiologists and health experts recommend a nutrient-packed breakfast option that's high in fiber and vitamins to kickstart your day. 'My go-to is really oatmeal,' Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist based in Denver, Colorado, told Today. 'In general, I recommend oatmeal as the best option.' According to Freeman, the best option is a cup of oatmeal prepared with water instead of milk or butter, keeping it lower in calories. He advises adding berries, flax seeds, and walnuts, which offer different health benefits and are rich in fiber. However, it's best to avoid instant oatmeal, as it's more processed and often contains added sugars and artificial ingredients. Oatmeal is high in minerals and vitamins. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a one-cup serving of cooked oatmeal has about 1.8 milligrams of vitamin B1, also known as thiamin, a vitamin that's important for energy production and nerve function. That cup of oatmeal also has nearly four grams of dietary fiber and less than one gram of total sugars. The American Heart Association notes that oatmeal stands out because it has beta-glucan, a dietary fiber that can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and lower blood glucose levels. Along with reducing heart disease and diabetes, beta-glucan also promotes healthy gut bacteria and intestinal health, according to the Mayo Clinic. So, how will oatmeal impact how our body functions? According to EatingWell, having oatmeal for breakfast could reduce your feelings of hunger and make you feel fuller throughout the day. 'Having oats for breakfast or incorporated into different foods as meals and snacks is a great way to give the meal more staying power and help you feel fuller for longer,' registered dietitian Maggie Michalczyk told the publication in January. Michalczyk also noted that beta-glucan 'forms a gel-like consistency in the gut and helps to keep things moving in your digestive tract and keep you regular.' While he's all for having oatmeal in the morning, Freeman previously said that he's trying to cut other foods out of his morning diet. He told Today that he doesn't recommend having eggs for breakfast at all, since they contain a lot of cholesterol. He also steers clear of muffins, danishes, donuts, and croissants in the morning because they're high in fat, sugar, and carbs. However, he admits it's okay to enjoy a small treat occasionally, as long as it's not part of his daily breakfast. 'It's better to have just a small little serving or a taste, and then a big plate of fruit or oatmeal,' he said.
The Independent
06-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Cardiologist reveals his ‘go-to' breakfast for a healthy heart
A cardiologist has revealed his favorite breakfast for keeping his heart healthy. Often touted as the most important meal of the day, breakfast fuels you for the hours ahead. However, popular options like muffins, donuts, bacon, and processed cereals are typically high in cholesterol and sugar, making them less ideal for a healthy start. With that in mind, multiple cardiologists and health experts recommend a nutrient-packed breakfast option that's high in fiber and vitamins to kickstart your day. 'My go-to is really oatmeal,' Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist based in Denver, Colorado, told Today. 'In general, I recommend oatmeal as the best option.' According to Freeman, the best option is a cup of oatmeal prepared with water instead of milk or butter, keeping it lower in calories. He advises adding berries, flax seeds, and walnuts, which offer different health benefits and are rich in fiber. However, it's best to avoid instant oatmeal, as it's more processed and often contains added sugars and artificial ingredients. Oatmeal is high in minerals and vitamins. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a one-cup serving of cooked oatmeal has about 1.8 milligrams of vitamin B1, also known as thiamin, a vitamin that's important for energy production and nerve function. That cup of oatmeal also has nearly four grams of dietary fiber and less than one gram of total sugars. The American Heart Association notes that oatmeal stands out because it has beta-glucan, a dietary fiber that can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and lower blood glucose levels. Along with reducing heart disease and diabetes, beta-glucan also promotes healthy gut bacteria and intestinal health, according to the Mayo Clinic. So, how will oatmeal impact how our body functions? According to EatingWell, having oatmeal for breakfast could reduce your feelings of hunger and make you feel fuller throughout the day. 'Having oats for breakfast or incorporated into different foods as meals and snacks is a great way to give the meal more staying power and help you feel fuller for longer,' registered dietitian Maggie Michalczyk told the publication in January. Michalczyk also noted that beta-glucan 'forms a gel-like consistency in the gut and helps to keep things moving in your digestive tract and keep you regular.' While he's all for having oatmeal in the morning, Freeman previously said that he's trying to cut other foods out of his morning diet. He told Today that he doesn't recommend having eggs for breakfast at all, since they contain a lot of cholesterol. He also steers clear of muffins, danishes, donuts, and croissants in the morning because they're high in fat, sugar, and carbs. However, he admits it's okay to enjoy a small treat occasionally, as long as it's not part of his daily breakfast. 'It's better to have just a small little serving or a taste, and then a big plate of fruit or oatmeal,' he said.
