How to add protein to oatmeal

It’s no secret that here at Orgain, we love our oats. Oats are a great source of heart healthy, whole grains and combined with good fats and protein, they make for a wonderfully satisfying breakfast or snack. The wide availability and affordability of oats make them even easier to incorporate into your daily routine. Oats are touted as a health food primarily because they contain beta-glucan, a soluble fiber which studies show can help lower cholesterol, reduce weight, and feel full longer, as well as about 5 grams of protein per serving. Your favorite morning bowl contains the complex carbohydrates (read fiber), protein, and a small amount of fat that make it a golden foundation for a super-satisfying breakfast, pre-workout meal, or snack with the addition of protein and clean toppings. It’s best to avoid sugar and other added sweeteners when making your oatmeal to keep it healthy, however, with the addition of fruit, cacao powder, cinnamon, or even an egg for a savory oatmeal, you don’t need to sacrifice health for flavor. If you aren’t sold on oatmeal because you dislike the taste or texture, we’ve got some scrumptious tips and recipes to reimagine this boring breakfast standby into a protein and flavor packed bowl of yum.

1. Make overnight proats: Don’t have time to make breakfast in the morning or you need something to grab and enjoy on your way out the door? Try overnight protein oats! Simply add ½ cup of oats, a protein shake or scoop of protein powder, and the toppings of your choice to a mason jar or portable food container and let soak overnight in the fridge. If you prefer hot oatmeal, simply heat it up the next day before enjoying. We’ve got recipes for triple berry power oats, carrot cake proats, and snickerdoodle overnight oats in case you need some inspiration.
2. Switch out your liquid: Use a chocolate or vanilla protein shake in place of milk or water for your next bowl of oatmeal to save time and to reap more nutritional benefits from a clean protein to keep you feeling full and energized longer. This two ingredient chocolate overnight oats recipe comes together in five minutes or less and makes a pretty delicious stand in for chocolate pudding.
3. Top it off with protein rich foods like peanut or almond butter, a swirl of Greek yogurt, a handful of toasted pecans or almonds, and a sprinkling of chia seeds.
4. Add it to a smoothie: If you prefer to sip your breakfast, add oats to this energizing protein smoothie which has cinnamon, bananas, and extra protein for a creamy, dreamy drink that will get you through a busy morning without crashing.
5. Put an egg on it: Oatmeal can be savory instead of sweet and when topped with a fried or poached egg, veggies, avocado, or mushrooms and caramelized onions it becomes a viable option transcending breakfast to brunch, lunch, or dinner. Check out this list for even more healthy savory oatmeal ideas!
6. Make cookies instead: if you are more of a nibbler, try these fantastic 3 ingredient oatmeal protein cookies for a midmorning snack or to fend off that midafternoon anything-sweet craving.