Oatmeal: Old Fashioned Therapy

Yes, Grandma really was right about oatmeal having a "stick to your ribs" effect that propels you from breakfast to lunch. So while this study is new, the information may be old: Eating a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast may make it easier to stick to your diet.

A study by the Quaker Oats Company shows eating oatmeal for breakfast curbs your appetite until lunch. An added bonus is that it also helps to make you eat less at noontime.

The fiber in oatmeal actually slows down the rate of emptying in the stomach, making you feel fuller longer. Beyond a full stomach, oatmeal is an excellent source of dietary fiber and helps reduce cholesterol levels.

A recent study by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says eating fiber helps control weight gain, keeps insulin levels in check and reduces other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. So pass the oatmeal.