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8 weight loss benefits of eating oatmeal you don't know about
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Who would have thought oatmeal could be the key to helping you lose weight? - photo by Callie Hansen
Growing up, I always thought oatmeal was disgusting. Every time my mom made it for breakfast, I would hardly touch it. Id much rather eat Pop-tarts or even bland cereal than oatmeal. It wasn't until adulthood when I realized how much it can help with weight loss.

If youre trying to lose weight, here are eight benefits of eating oatmeal that will help you shed those extra pounds:

1. The body digests oatmeal slowly

Oatmeal sits in your stomach much longer than other foods. Because it digests so slowly, it releases specific digestive acids that keep your appetite under control and allow you to burn more calories.

2. Makes you feel fuller

Oatmeal makes you feel fuller longer. The fuller you are, the less youll eat, and the more weight youre likely to lose. Oatmeal is full of fiber and protein and healthy vitamins and minerals that make it one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence. So, why not eat more of it?

3. Itll prevent you from unhealthy cravings

When you're full, youre less likely to crave unhealthy foods. By lunchtime, your body will still be trying to digest the oatmeal from breakfast. Youll therefore have a smaller lunch, and a smaller dinner which will allow you to shed more pounds.

4. Low calorie intake

Oatmeal is low-calorie. Serving sizes vary, but an average bowl of oatmeal is only 150 calories. When youre eating less calories for more food, you will definitely be on the right track to losing weight.

5. Its packed with fiber

Fiber is one of the body's most important nutrients, as it aids the digestive system. Oatmeal contains one of the most powerful fibers: beta-glucan. Beta-glucan is an important nutrient that helps fight high-cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, cancer and HIV/AIDS.

6. It keeps your blood sugar levels steady

Oatmeal keeps your blood sugar levels steady. For those who are overweight or have Type 2 diabetes, oatmeal is a literal life-saver when it comes to reducing high blood sugar. Once again, this is due to beta-glucan that improves insulin's solubility that reduces glucose levels.

7. Lowers your cholesterol

Its true, whole-grain oats help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Of course, this is all dependent on a well-balanced diet, and eating oatmeal is a key component of eating healthy.

8. It boosts your energy

With a fuller stomach, a nutrient-filled body and a healthier heart, your energy is sure to improve after eating oatmeal. And more energy will allow you motivate you to do the things you love. Youll be able to think clearly, run faster and simply have the energy to keep up with life.

Implementing oatmeal or other oat-filled meals into your diet seems is healthy for your body and will surely help you to lose the weight you want.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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