The Oatmeal diet: 3 ways to do it right

With all of the fattening holiday fixings coming up, bookmarking a good weight loss and detox diet is essential for keeping our scale in check. The oatmeal diet is a seasonal favorite since it keeps you full longer and allows you to stay in the healthy range of consuming about 1200 calories per day. According to the Journal of Preventive Medicine, oatmeal can also help lower cholesterol and even lower the risk of certain types of cancers. It's one of the healthiest foods you can serve in a bowl, but the key is to make sure you're doing the oatmeal diet right. 

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Execute in stages: There are three stages in the oatmeal diet and the first one is the hardest to master. During the first week, you have to consume only fresh oatmeal–no instant mix allowed. Mix half a cup of oatmeal with half a cup of low-fat or skim milk. Once you have completed the 7-day challenge, the next month will include having half a cup of oatmeal three times a day. Here you can switch over the packaged oatmeal if necessary. The key is to make sure you combine with a healthy daily diet consisting of raw vegetables and lean meats. For the next month, make sure to eat oatmeal once a day combined with a healthy diet.  

Cut the sugar: Brown sugar tastes amazing in oatmeal, but it won't help you conquer the oatmeal diet and get the results you want. That also goes for sugary snacks and dessert. You have to cut it all in the beginning stages and slowly add fresh fruit or a low-fat dessert for a sugary fix. It sounds impossible now, but you'll be so proud of yourself after it's over. 

Keep eating oatmeal after the 30-day challenge: Once you have completed all of the phases, the last thing you want to do is go back to your bad eating habits. Make sure to add leafy greens and protein like fish and white meat to your diet. Don't give the oatmeal up either. Serve up oatmeal twice a day and try eating at least a cup of oatmeal before dinner. This will prevent you from over eating and will make you feel fuller longer.   

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