Promoting Healthy Oats on World Obesity Day

March 4 is World Obesity Day. This is a day to raise awareness on how we can work together to ensure happier, healthier and longer lives for everyone. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity has nearly tripled worldwide since 1975. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, of which over 650 million were obese. Obesity is a major public health challenge that contributes to numerous non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

In recognition of World Obesity Day, it is important to acknowledge the efforts of organizations that are working to address this issue. The Prairie Oat Growers Association (POGA) is committed to promoting healthy eating habits through the consumption of oats.

Oats are a nutrient-dense whole grain that are rich in fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. They have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering cholesterol levels, and improving digestive health. Additionally, oats have a low glycemic index, which means they can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in insulin.

POGA is championing for healthy recipes from oats, which encourages people to incorporate oats into their diet in creative ways. By providing recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, POGA is showing people that oats are versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes.

Oatmeal is a classic breakfast dish that can be customized with various toppings, such as fruit, nuts, and spices. Oats can also be used as a base for smoothies, providing a creamy texture and added fiber. For lunch and dinner, oats can be used as a substitute for breadcrumbs in meatballs or as a binding agent in veggie burgers. Oats can even be used in desserts, such as cookies and cakes, as a healthier alternative to flour.

By promoting the use of oats in recipes, POGA is helping to increase awareness of the health benefits of this nutritious grain. Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, such as oats, is an important component of a healthy lifestyle and can help prevent obesity and related health problems.

World Obesity Day is an important reminder of the urgent need to address the global obesity epidemic. By championing for healthy recipes from oats, POGA is helping to promote healthy eating habits and improve public health. Incorporating oats into your diet is a simple and effective way to improve your eating habits, and POGA’s recipe collection is a great resource for inspiration and ideas.

Find healthy oats recipes to enjoy with family and friends on the following POGA websites:

oatseveryday.com | avenacanada.com | kanadanootsumugi.com