Easy Protein Overnight Oats - Hint of Healthy (2024)

FAQs

Are overnight protein oats good for you? ›

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.

Old-fashioned rolled oats.

Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice for overnight oats. They soak up the liquid overnight, leaving you with a creamy (but not mushy) texture. Save steel-cut and quick-cooking oats for another time.

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

Overnight oats are perfectly safe to be eaten every day. You may even eat them every morning if you like. However, some say that they feel oats give them digestive issues; overnight oats are not unsafe for those without medical conditions that affect digestion.

Oats are rich in carbohydrates and a fibre called beta-glucan, which helps in the slow release of glucose into the bloodstream. However, consuming oats in isolation and in the morning may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels due to the Dawn effect.

Oats improve gut health

The Beta-Glucan in oats promotes bile-acid excretion which transports toxins out of your gut.

The intensity of heat while cooking is the contributing factor, lower the heat better the nutrient availability. When you soak the oats overnight, it's almost like you're cooking them, but the process is much longer and slower, and it's done without heat. Hence, it is more nutrient rich than cooked version.

You can eat the oats after they have been sitting for 2 hours, BUT I recommend waiting 8 to 12 hours so the oats have time to soak up all of the milk. The longer you wait, the creamier they will be. They are called overnight oats for a reason, they are best if they can sit in the fridge overnight!

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

What milk is best for overnight oats? ›

Dairy milk and oat milk both work well. Coconut milk adds rich flavor and yields an especially creamy texture. Maple syrup – For sweetness. Honey works too.

Overnight oats are meant to be eaten cold, however, if you prefer warm oats you always have the option to heat them up. Because you soak the oats overnight, they become soft and easy to digest making them delicious eaten cold!

Why do you put chia seeds in overnight oats? Chia seeds up the nutrition content in overnight oats. They're loaded with good-for-your-gut fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which help calm inflammation in your body and may protect you from chronic disease. They also add a nice protein boost to this recipe.

The only ratio you need to remember when making overnight oats is 1:1. You'll soak one part rolled oats with one part liquid overnight. Use less liquid if you want thicker oatmeal, more if you like it runny. You can use water or any type of milk (like almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, etc.)

There are countless health benefits of overnight oats, especially when it comes to your weight loss goals. It can keep you fuller for longer. For starters, oats can help keep you full, and in turn, can help reduce mindless snacking and excess calorie intake between meals.

Although this food is often associated with the start of the day, oats can make a great bedtime snack as they're a source of melatonin. Melatonin has been reported to improve sleep efficiency and consuming sources of melatonin-rich foods may help to improve sleep.

Are Overnight Oats Keto-Friendly? No, the classic overnight oats recipe is made of oats, a wholesome natural grain but very high in carbs. In fact, oats contain about 56 grams of net carbs per 100 grams. As a result, they spike blood sugar levels and are not approved on a keto diet.

Because oats are a great source of healthy carbohydrates, protein and fiber, they can be an excellent addition to your bodybuilding diet to help repair muscles and spur growth. Oats are also complex carbohydrates that take a long time to digest, providing you with steady energy for a longer period of time.