When looking for ways to change your diet and make it healthier, oatmeal will surely find its way on the list. It is not surprising considering it is healthy and a versatile option for breakfast or a snack. Moreover, it is an inexpensive choice and a perfect dish to give you energy in the morning.
However, you should be aware that if your oatmeal does not contain enough protein, then it might leave you hungry quite quickly. Oats allow different combinations with various ingredients, but if you do not make the right mix, your dish will not be as healthy as you think. In turn, you won’t achieve your fitness goals as quickly as you’ve initially hoped!
Luckily, there are ways in which you can enrich your oats with protein and obtain a breakfast with enough nutrients to keep you through the whole morning. What is more, adding protein to oatmeal in different ways will allow you to have a different breakfast dish every day. So, if you are not sure how to add protein to oatmeal, we have come up with amazing suggestions that will inspire you to make a tasty meal every morning!Â
Why Should You Add Protein to Oatmeal?
Before we move on to our recommendations, you should understand why this is a good idea to add protein to oatmeal. You are probably aware that we are talking about nutritious food, but the reason why it has to be modified still raises questions among people.
If you decide to incorporate a protein-rich diet, you are on the right track to treat your body right. However, you should also take into account that opting for healthy food does not mean you should hate what you eat. On the contrary, you need to find ways to enjoy every single meal you have and understand what your body needs.
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Oats are a good source of dietary fiber, so when you consume them, you give your body fuel to go through the morning. Moreover, starting your day with oatmeal can benefit your workout routine and help recovery after exercising. It is food that contains a lot of nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber - everything you need to fuel your body appropriately.
Nonetheless, although nutritious, oatmeal contains very little protein - more precisely, 5g per cup. So, if you want breakfast that will satisfy your hunger and give you enough energy, then adding protein to oatmeal is crucial. Protein intake is especially important if you work out and have specific goals for your body. We are talking about a nutrient that helps you build muscles and strengthen your body, boosts your metabolism, and creates feelings of fullness.
Adding protein to oatmeal is a perfect way to consume something delicious but healthy at the same time. And, starting your day with a high-protein breakfast meal will help you achieve your fitness goals, but also prevent late-night snacking. Considering this, finding the right ways to incorporate protein in your oats is crucial!
Also Read: Transform Your Eating Habits with High Protein Low-Calorie Meals
10 Amazing Ways to Add Protein to Oatmeal
Since we have established the importance of protein in your oats, now it is time to give you ideas of how you can make this happen. Modifying your dishes is not only about adding ingredients that are considered healthy. It is also about finding what you like and making the most of your protein-rich diet. As previously stated, finding what your body needs is essential if you want to achieve your desired goals!Â
1. Top Your Oats with Yogurt
Those who enjoy a more creamy texture of the oatmeal will enjoy adding yogurt to it. High-protein yogurt can be added to warm or overnight oats, but the delicious taste is granted. We are referring to a great boost of protein along with creaminess. This means you are not only making your meal healthier and more nutritious but also tastier and more flavorful. It is a simple way to intensify the taste instead of just adding water to your oats.
Plus, you can always combine yogurt and fresh fruit in the mix. The thing about this protein oatmeal recipe is that it gives you the chance to experiment with ingredients. So, you can have oats every day if you want to, but they will always taste differently. That is exactly what your healthy diet needs!
Also Read: Plant-Based Protein Vs. Whey Protein: Which One Is the Best?
2. Try Oats with Milk
Depending on your preferences, you may opt for milk rather than yogurt. People who are not fans of a creamy oat texture will surely enjoy the combination with milk. Adding dairy milk to your oatmeal is a quick way to increase the dose of protein in your breakfast without doing anything complex.
Some people opt for almond milk or similar alternatives, but you should know that the dairy type is the richest in protein. They will work, but you will not have as much protein as you want. Nonetheless, if you are following a vegan diet, then opting for soy milk will do the trick!Â
3. Add a Little Bit of Peanut Butter
Another way to add protein to oatmeal is by stirring some peanut butter in your dish. Peanut butter is a rich protein source, so it can be your way to increase the nutrients in your oats. Many people are concerned about the amount of fat it contains, but a drizzle will be enough to enrich your dish. Namely, two tablespoons of peanut butter are just enough to increase the protein level in your oats.
However, peanut butter is not only good for its nutritious features. Adding a little bit of it to your oatmeal will give your dish a distinguished flavor and intensify its taste. You can also opt for some alternatives like cashew or walnut butter, but you should take into account that peanut and almond ones have the highest protein content. So, when your goal is to significantly increase the protein level in your dishes, you should opt for either of those two.
Also Read: 4 Easy Ways To Add Protein To Your Day… No Shaking ...
4. Roasted Chickpeas for a Savory Oat Dish
This is not such a popular protein oatmeal idea, but it is certainly a delicious one. Chickpeas are rich in protein, so adding them to your oatmeal will be a great way to increase its content. Combining oats with roasted chickpeas will give you the perfect breakfast or lunch delight.
This is the perfect blend of ingredients for those who enjoy savory dishes rather than sweet ones. Many people decide on sweet oatmeal for breakfast, but changing your habits a little bit might surprise your palate and bring you amazing health results.
5. Sprinkle Flax, Hemp, or Chia Seeds on Your Oats
Flax and chia seeds both have 1.5 grams of protein per 1 tablespoon (10 grams), and hemp seeds have 3 grams. If you do not want to change the texture or consistency of your oatmeal, adding ground seeds is a great way to get more protein. By doing so, you will eat your favorite oatmeal without compromising the taste you like or are used to.
Moreover, seeds like those we mentioned above are great vitamin and mineral sources. So, by adding these ingredients to your oats, you are obtaining more protein and other nutrients. Sprinkling some of them next time you prepare your oatmeal may change the way you consume oats and give you another way of enjoying your breakfast.Â
6. Intensify The Flavors by Adding Hummus
If you want to spice things up when it comes to protein oatmeal recipes, you might want to try something completely different. Adding a scoop of hummus to your oats will change their taste, meaning you will get a new type of dish in your diet. Also, this is a great alternative to roasted chickpeas, considering hummus is made of them.
The great thing about hummus is that it comes with different flavors. You can opt for a natural kind or one that comes with flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, or chocolate. When it comes to intensifying the taste of savory oatmeal, you should see what you like best. Some people are more fond of neutral flavors, while others like something stronger and more flavorful. We recommend trying a few combinations and seeing which one you like best!
Also Read: Collagen Protein vs Whey Protein: Which is Better & Why?
7. Egg Whites for a Significant Dose of Protein
If you are thinking of ways to pump up the protein in your oatmeal, throwing in some egg whites is a great move. Eggs are like protein MVPs, and adding them to your oats is an amazing solution to intake some protein goodness. Plus, the taste is extraordinary - trust us, it is a game-changer! Your oatmeal will not only become a nutritional powerhouse but also get a fluffier and heartier texture.
But there is more – eggs, especially their whites, are loaded with the good stuff your body loves. They bring a complete set of amino acids to the table, supporting muscle growth and repair. So, do not be afraid to try something new and crack a few eggs into your oats!Â
8. Cottage Cheese for a Smooth Texture
When you are thinking about how to make your oats more nutritious, cottage cheese may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Nonetheless, it is a great source of protein and can also be incorporated into your oatmeal. Cottage cheese, like yogurt, contains 14 grams of protein per 12-cup serving and can be added to a warm bowl of oatmeal or cold overnight oats.
However, if you do not like cottage cheese's thick texture, purée it in the mixer to give it a smooth texture and then add it to your oats. It is a bit different way to enjoy your oatmeal but the delicious taste might surprise you. So, ensure that you give it a try at least once and see how it suits you!
Also Read: Does Whey Protein Have Lactose?
9. Experiment with Different Combinations
Now that you have the protein-rich ingredients you can add to your oatmeal, you can also use them for combinations. It is great to add them to a dish individually, but you can enhance the nutritional value of breakfast and lunch with a variety of ingredients. So, if you want to ensure your oats are giving you the right amount of protein, it is possible to mix a few things together in one dish and see which is working best for you.
Yogurt with nuts or peanut butter with milk are foolproof combinations. Your oats will be sweet and perfectly balanced with these flavors. Plus, they will give you a wonderful texture that will allow you to enjoy your oats the way you want them. We encourage you to combine on your own because it is up to you to determine what your body needs.
10. Use Supplements for Controlled Dosages of Protein
We know that adding protein to oatmeal can sometimes be difficult because you can never be absolutely sure about the amount you intake with a single meal. However, there is a way that will allow you to control your intake and know exactly how much protein you have added to your oats each morning.Â
Powder protein is an amazing supplement that can make a difference in your oatmeal. We have the ideal product that will change how you consume oats and ensure you get enough protein each month.Â
Purely Inspired Organic Protein is the ideal supplement for people looking to establish healthy lifestyle habits. Our plant-based protein powder is perfect for those leading a healthy lifestyle. Plus, it comes with amazing flavors that will intensify the taste of your oats.
Adding protein to oatmeal is an excellent way to increase protein intake daily and ensure that your body gets enough nutrients throughout each day. Protein is necessary when you want to adopt a healthier lifestyle but also achieve your fitness goals.
For more tips on a healthy lifestyle, please check out our blog page.
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