Easy 7-Day Oatmeal Diet Plan To Lose Up 10 Pounds in a Week

Oatmeal Diet Plan

If you’re looking to shed a few pounds quickly and want to do it in a healthy, balanced way, the oatmeal diet might be just what you need.

Oatmeal is a whole grain that’s high in fiber, low in calories, and packed with essential nutrients that can keep you full for hours, which is key when trying to lose weight.

In this 7-day oatmeal diet plan, we’ll show you how to use oatmeal as the foundation for a week long diet that could help you lose up to 10 pounds.

What is the Oatmeal Diet for Weight Loss?

The oatmeal diet for weight loss revolves around incorporating oats as the main component of meals in different phases, aiming to control calorie intake, provide sustained energy, and promote weight loss.

Here’s a breakdown of each phase of the oatmeal diet:

Phase 1: The Initial Phase (First Week)

For the first week, the goal is to consume oatmeal exclusively for three meals a day.

  • You eat whole oats (preferably steel-cut or old-fashioned oats) without any added sugar or high-calorie toppings.
  • Portion sizes should be controlled, and the oatmeal can be flavored with fruits, spices (like cinnamon), and small amounts of healthy fats (e.g., nuts or seeds).
  • Stick to around 900-1200 calories per day to initiate weight loss.

Phase 2: Transition Phase (Week 2-4)

During this phase, you continue to eat oatmeal for at least one or two meals a day, but start introducing other healthy foods for variety.

  • You can add more nutrient-rich foods like lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu), vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats (avocado, nuts) into your meals.
  • Calories should still be monitored to maintain a deficit for weight loss (around 1200-1400 calories per day).
  • One meal, such as dinner, can include lean protein and vegetables alongside a portion of oatmeal.

Phase 3: Maintenance Phase (Post 4 Weeks)

This phase is about maintaining the weight loss by continuing to incorporate oatmeal into your diet, while eating a balanced range of foods.

  • You no longer need to eat oatmeal at every meal but can have it once a day, particularly for breakfast or lunch.
  • Focus on a balanced diet including whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables.
  • Continue to limit processed foods and added sugars to prevent weight regain.
  • Calories can be increased slightly to around 1400-1600 per day depending on individual needs.

7-Day Oatmeal Diet Plan to Lose Up to 10 Pounds in a Week

This 7-day oatmeal diet plan for Phase 1 is designed to help you lose up to 10 pounds in just one week by incorporating nutrient-dense, high-fiber oatmeal meals that keep you full and satisfied while promoting healthy weight loss.

This oatmeal diet meal plan features a variety of delicious oatmeal-based recipes, ensuring balanced nutrition and effective fat-burning, all while maintaining a focus on taste and variety.

Mexican Style Oatmeal with Fried Eggs

Day 1

Breakfast:

  • Oatmeal with Berries & Almonds: Cook oats in water, top with berries, almonds, and drizzle with honey. (½ cup rolled oats, 1 cup water, a handful of fresh mixed berries, 10 almonds, drizzle of honey)

Lunch:

  • Savory Oatmeal with Spinach & Poached Egg: Cook oats in vegetable broth. Poach egg and sauté spinach in olive oil. Serve with Parmesan on top. (½ cup oats cooked in vegetable broth, 1 poached egg, sautéed spinach, sprinkle of Parmesan cheese)

Dinner:

  • Mexican-Style Oatmeal with Fried Egg: Cook oatmeal in vegetable broth, and stir in salsa and black beans. Top with a fried egg and garnish with avocado slices and cilantro. (½ cup oatmeal, 1 cup vegetable broth, 2 tbsp salsa, ¼ cup black beans, 1 fried egg, avocado slices, cilantro)

Snacks:

  • Apple Slices with Peanut Butter: Slice apple and spread peanut butter on top for a healthy snack. (1 apple sliced, 1 tbsp natural peanut butter)
Baked Salmon and Oat Crust

Day 2

Breakfast:

  • Oatmeal with Banana & Chia Seeds: Cook oats in water or almond milk. Top with sliced banana and sprinkle chia seeds. (½ cup oats, 1 cup water or almond milk, ½ sliced banana, 1 tsp chia seeds)

Lunch:

  • Oatmeal with Scrambled Egg Whites & Veggies: Cook oats with a pinch of salt. Scramble egg whites and sauté bell peppers and onions. Serve over savory oatmeal. (½ cup savory oatmeal, 3 scrambled egg whites, ½ cup sautéed bell peppers and onions)

Dinner:

  • Baked Salmon and Oat Crust: Coat salmon fillet with a mixture of oats and herbs. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Serve with mixed greens. (4 oz salmon fillet, oat and herb crust, 1 cup mixed greens)

Snacks:

  • Carrot Sticks & Hummus: Dip fresh carrot sticks into hummus for a healthy snack. (1 cup carrot sticks, 2 tbsp hummus)
Grilled Turkey Patties with Oatmeal & Asparagus

Day 3

Breakfast:

  • Overnight Oats with Strawberries & Flaxseeds: Soak oats overnight in almond milk. In the morning, top with strawberries and flaxseeds. (½ cup oats soaked overnight, 1 cup almond milk, fresh strawberries, 1 tsp flaxseeds)

Lunch:

  • Oatmeal with Greek Yogurt & Cucumber Salad: Cook oats and top with Greek yogurt. Prepare a side cucumber salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing. (½ cup savory oatmeal, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, cucumber slices with olive oil and vinegar dressing)

Dinner:

  • Grilled Turkey Patties with Oatmeal & Asparagus: Grill turkey patties until fully cooked. Serve with oatmeal and roasted asparagus. (2 lean turkey patties, ½ cup oatmeal, 1 cup roasted asparagus)

Snacks:

  • Cucumber & Tomato Slices with Feta Cheese: Slice cucumbers and tomatoes, then sprinkle with feta cheese. (1 cup cucumber and tomato slices, 1 oz crumbled feta)
Oatmeal Rava Dosa

Day 4

Breakfast:

  • Oatmeal with Pear & Walnuts: Cook oats in almond milk, then top with sliced pear and chopped walnuts. (½ cup oats, 1 cup almond milk, ½ pear sliced, 1 tbsp chopped walnuts)

Lunch:

  • Tuna-Oatmeal Lettuce Boats: Mix canned tuna with cooked oatmeal, a bit of Greek yogurt, and chopped celery. Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves and serve as boats. (1 can tuna, ½ cup cooked oatmeal, 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, ¼ cup chopped celery, lettuce leaves)

Dinner:

  • Oatmeal Rava Dosa: Mix ground oats, semolina, and yogurt. Add chopped onions, green chilies, and cumin seeds to the batter. Spread the batter thinly on a hot skillet and cook until crispy. (½ cup ground oats, ½ cup semolina, ¼ cup yogurt, 1 small onion chopped, 1 green chili chopped, 1 tsp cumin seeds)

Snacks:

  • Handful of Almonds & Dried Apricots: Enjoy a small handful of almonds and dried apricots for a quick snack. (10 almonds, 5 dried apricots)
Oatmeal Balls in Asian-Style Gravy

Day 5

Breakfast:

  • Oatmeal Smoothie: Blend cooked oatmeal with almond milk, banana, spinach, and peanut butter for a nutritious smoothie. (½ cup cooked oatmeal, 1 cup almond milk, ½ banana, handful of spinach, 1 tbsp peanut butter)

Lunch:

  • Oatmeal with Grilled Chicken & Broccoli: Cook savory oatmeal with a pinch of salt. Grill chicken breast and steam broccoli, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. (½ cup oatmeal, 3 oz grilled chicken breast, 1 cup steamed broccoli, sprinkle of sesame seeds)

Dinner:

  • Oatmeal Balls in Asian-Style Gravy: Mix oatmeal, cornstarch, chopped onion, and grated carrot. Shape into balls and steam. Prepare an Asian-style gravy with vegetable broth, soy sauce, and spices, then add the steamed oatmeal balls. (½ cup oatmeal, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 small onion chopped, 1 small carrot grated, 1 tsp soy sauce, 2 cups vegetable broth)

Snacks:

  • Sliced Bell Peppers with Guacamole: Dip bell pepper slices into guacamole for a flavorful snack. (1 bell pepper sliced, 2 tbsp guacamole)
Grilled Chicken with Oatmeal and Green Beans

Day 6

Breakfast:

  • Oatmeal with Mixed Nuts & Raisins: Cook oats in water and top with mixed nuts and raisins for a sweet start to the day. (½ cup oats, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp mixed nuts, 1 tbsp raisins)

Lunch:

  • Oatmeal with Cottage Cheese & Fresh Tomato Salad: Prepare savory oatmeal and top with cottage cheese. Serve with fresh tomato slices drizzled with olive oil and basil. (½ cup savory oatmeal, ½ cup cottage cheese, fresh tomato slices with basil)

Dinner:

  • Grilled Chicken with Oatmeal & Green Beans: Grill chicken breast and steam green beans. Serve with savory oatmeal for a balanced meal. (3 oz grilled chicken, ½ cup oatmeal, 1 cup steamed green beans)

Snacks:

  • Greek Yogurt with Berries: Have plain Greek yogurt topped with fresh mixed berries. (½ cup plain Greek yogurt, handful of mixed berries)
Oatmeal Salmon Cake with Mashed Sweet Potato

Day 7

Breakfast:

  • Oatmeal with Apple & Cinnamon: Cook oats in water and top with diced apple, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey. (½ cup oats, 1 cup water, ½ apple diced, sprinkle of cinnamon, drizzle of honey)

Lunch:

  • Oats Pita Bread Wrap with Eggs and Veggies: Prepare pita bread using a mix of oats and whole wheat flour. Fill with scrambled eggs and sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers and spinach. (1 pita bread made with oats, 2 scrambled eggs, ½ cup sautéed bell peppers, and spinach)

Dinner:

  • Oatmeal Salmon Cake with Mashed Sweet Potato: Mix cooked salmon with oats, egg, and herbs. Form into patties and pan-fry until golden. Serve with mashed sweet potato. (4 oz cooked salmon, ½ cup oats, 1 egg, herbs, 1 medium sweet potato)

Snacks:

  • Sliced Cucumber with Cottage Cheese: Slice cucumber and top with cottage cheese for a light snack. (1 cup sliced cucumber, 2 tbsp cottage cheese)

Foods to Eat on the Oatmeal Diet

This oatmeal diet food list will help you stay on track with your oatmeal diet while focusing on foods that promote weight loss and overall health.

Whole Grain Oats:

  • Steel-cut oats
  • Old-fashioned rolled oats
  • Instant oats (preferably low-sugar or no added sugar)

Fruits:

  • Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Bananas (in moderation)

Vegetables:

  • Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Carrots
  • Peppers
  • Tomatoes
  • Asparagus

Proteins:

  • Lean meats (chicken breast, turkey)
  • Fish (salmon, tuna, trout)
  • Eggs
  • Tofu
  • Greek yogurt (plain or low-sugar)

Nuts and Seeds:

  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Chia seeds
  • Flaxseeds
  • Pumpkin seeds

Healthy Fats:

  • Avocado
  • Olive oil
  • Coconut oil (in moderation)
  • Nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter)

Dairy and Dairy Alternatives:

  • Low-fat or skim milk
  • Cottage cheese
  • Unsweetened almond milk
  • Unsweetened soy milk

Spices and Flavorings:

  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Vanilla extract (in moderation)
  • Cocoa powder (unsweetened)

Foods to Avoid on the Oatmeal Diet

Avoiding these foods ensures you stay within your calorie goals, reduce sugar intake, and maintain a balanced, nutritious oatmeal diet that supports effective weight loss.

Sugary Additions:

  • Sugar
  • Honey
  • Syrups (maple syrup, agave syrup)

High-Calorie Toppings:

  • Sugary granola
  • Sweetened dried fruits (raisins, cranberries)
  • Excessive use of nut butters

Refined Carbs:

  • White bread
  • Pastries
  • White rice

Processed Foods:

  • Processed meats (bacon, sausages)
  • Fast food
  • Canned soups
  • Snack foods (chips, crackers)

High-Fat Dairy:

  • Full-fat milk
  • Cream
  • Cheese

Fried Foods:

  • Fried chicken
  • French fries
  • Fried snacks

Sugary Drinks:

  • Soda
  • Sweetened iced tea
  • Energy drinks

Benefits of the Oatmeal Diet

The oatmeal diet offers numerous health benefits, making it a popular choice for those looking to lose weight and improve their overall health.

Here are some of the benefits of the oatmeal diet:

  • Supports Weight Loss: Oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which helps keep you full for longer. This satiety reduces overall calorie intake, making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit and achieve weight loss goals.
  • Boosts Heart Health: The beta-glucan in oatmeal has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. Oatmeal also contains antioxidants, such as avenanthramides, that help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
  • Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels: Oatmeal has a low glycemic index, which means it has a gradual impact on blood sugar levels. This helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making it a good choice for people with diabetes or those looking to maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.
  • Improves Digestive Health: The high fiber content in oatmeal promotes regular bowel movements and helps prevent constipation. Soluble fiber also acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and supporting a healthy digestive system.
  • Provides Essential Nutrients: Oatmeal is a good source of essential nutrients, including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins. These nutrients support overall health, including bone health, energy production, and metabolic function.

Potential Risks of the Oatmeal Diet

While the oatmeal diet offers several health benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and drawbacks.

Understanding these can help you make informed decisions and maintain a balanced approach to your oatmeal diet plan.

  • High in Carbohydrates: Oatmeal is relatively high in carbohydrates, which might not be suitable for everyone, particularly those following low-carb or ketogenic diets.
  • Possible Digestive Discomfort: For some people, consuming large amounts of fiber from oatmeal can lead to digestive discomfort, including bloating, gas, or constipation, especially if your diet previously lacked fiber.
  • Gluten Sensitivity: Some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to oats, such as celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Ensure you’re using certified gluten-free oats if you have gluten sensitivity.
  • Monotony and Diet Fatigue: Eating the same food repeatedly can lead to monotony and diet fatigue, making it challenging to stick to the oatmeal diet plan long-term. Incorporate different preparations and flavorings of oatmeal to keep your meals interesting and enjoyable.
  • Potential for Excess Sugar: Flavored or instant oatmeal options may contain added sugars, which can undermine weight loss efforts and impact health.

Oatmeal Diet Meal Prep Tips

Meal prepping can be a game-changer when following the oatmeal diet. By preparing in advance, you save time and stay committed to your weight loss goals.

Here are some helpful oatmeal diet meal prep tips for weight loss:

  • Prepare Overnight Oats: Make overnight oats by soaking them in milk or water overnight. They’re ready to eat in the morning, and you can switch up the flavors by adding fruits, nuts, or seeds. This no-cook option is convenient for busy mornings.
  • Batch Cook Your Oats: Prepare a large batch of oats at the beginning of the week. Store them in the fridge and portion out servings for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This makes it easy to reheat and customize with different toppings.
  • Pre-Chop Toppings: Wash and chop fruits, veggies, and nuts ahead of time. Store them in containers, so you can easily add them to your oatmeal throughout the week. Prepping toppings like berries, spinach, or avocado will make meals faster and fresher.
  • Plan Ahead: Create an oatmeal diet meal plan before grocery shopping. Knowing what you’ll eat for each meal helps you stay organized and ensures you have all the necessary ingredients. This reduces impulse eating and keeps you focused on the diet.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Prepping doesn’t have to be boring. Prepare different flavor combinations, such as savory oatmeal with herbs and veggies or sweet versions with cinnamon and fruit. Mix it up to keep things interesting.

Conclusion

The 7 day oatmeal diet plan is a simple yet effective way to jumpstart your weight loss journey.

By incorporating oatmeal into your meals, you can enjoy a nutritious, satisfying diet that supports your goals.

Remember to stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and listen to your body’s hunger cues.

FAQs

What can I substitute for oatmeal on a keto diet?

On a keto diet, you can substitute oatmeal with chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp hearts, which are low in carbs and keto-friendly while providing similar nutritional benefits.

How much weight can you lose with the oatmeal diet?

You can lose up to 10 pounds in a week with the oatmeal diet, depending on your starting weight and adherence to the oatmeal diet plan.

Can oatmeal help lose belly fat?

Yes, oatmeal can help lose belly fat due to its high fiber content, which keeps you full and aids digestion. The soluble fiber in oatmeal also helps reduce belly fat by lowering cholesterol levels.

Is it OK to eat oatmeal daily?

Yes, it’s safe and healthy to eat oatmeal daily. Oatmeal is rich in nutrients, fiber, and can contribute to a balanced diet when combined with other wholesome foods.

Is oatmeal a good fat burner?

Oatmeal itself isn’t a fat burner, but it supports weight loss by keeping you full, which can help reduce calorie intake and support fat loss over time.

How much oats a day to lose weight?

Eating about 1 to 1.5 cups of cooked oats per day can aid in weight loss when combined with a balanced oatmeal diet.

Is oatmeal a good diet food?

Yes, oatmeal is an excellent diet food due to its low calorie, high fiber, and nutrient-rich content.