Easy High Protein Overnight Oats

Cake for breakfast? Yes please! These easy high protein overnight oats are sweet and flavorful. But don’t be fooled this recipe is healthy, high in protein, and filled with essential nutrients to fuel your body and feel energized through the morning! Plus, they take less than 5 minutes to make, what’s not to love!

I am never home in the mornings and always take my breakfast on the go. I love these protein overnight oats because I can prep them the night before and let them sit in the fridge overnight. So, all I have to do is grab them in the morning!

Plus, they are so easy to make and only contain a few ingredients. I used rolled oats, chia seeds, protein powder, cinnamon, and almond milk for the base. I’ve also tried many different oat combinations, but this has to be my favorite. It literally tastes like vanilla cake.

I also love to add protein powder to reach my protein goals. Since, one serving of oats contains only 5 grams of protein, I need to add a protein source. My favorite options are greek yogurt or protein powder. I’ve tried both, but my favorite is protein powder because it adds extra flavor to the oats.

My favorite protein powder is Orgain. It has 21 grams of protein in one serving and is made with clean ingredients. They also have lots of different flavors to choose from, so you could even make coffee, chocolate, or vanilla oats (my favorite). Plus, they have the option of whey protein or plant based, so there’s choices for vegans and vegetarians!

I also love to add a spoonful of chia seeds because they’re extremely high in antioxidants and nutrients. They also are a great source of healthy fats and expand overnight, which creates an amazing texture!

The last essential ingredient for any overnight oat recipe is milk. You can use any milk you want (there’s so many!) I prefer to use almond milk or oat milk, but some other great options are 2% milk, skim milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk. Another option is to just use water.

Now let’s talk about toppings!

Fruit is amazing on oatmeal. It is so tasty and provides added nutrients. Mostly, I add bananas and blueberries to mine but here are some other great options:

• Strawberries
• Blackberries
• Pears
• Apple Slices
• Raspberries

I also love to switch between adding granola or crushed graham crackers, and of course you can’t forget the nut butter! I use powdered peanut butter because it has less calories, but you can use any nut butter you desire!

Other great toppings:

• Granola
• Graham Crackers
• Coconut Flakes
• Cacao Nibs
• Chia Seeds
• Nut Butter
• Cinnamon
• Honey

Note: Oatmeal is extremely versatile, so get creative with it! Try different ingredients and combinations to find your favorites!

How Each Ingredient Benefits Us

Oats

Oats are one of the healthiest grains we can consume. It is a good source of carbs and contains many B vitamins, to help fuel energy. The fiber content is good for gut health and can help decrease cholesterol.

Protein Powder

Protein powder is an option to help replenish protein reserves and aide in muscle recovery. Powders are available in animal-based options such as whey and egg white, as well as non-animal options such as pea protein- which is an option for vegetarians.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are extremely nutritious and loaded with antioxidants. They contain many important bone nutrients including calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. They also contain a good amount of protein and healthy fats. Not to mention, chia seeds look amazing aesthetically and pair well with multiple foods.

Almond Milk

Almond milk is a milk substitute that is lactose free. Calorie count will vary based on brand and if plain or sweetened, but the plain variety provides ~ 30 kcal per 8 oz. Protein content is minimal, averaging ~2 grams per cup, but it does provide a good source of Vitamin E and riboflavin, and will contain added calcium for bone health.

Bananas

Bananas are rich in nutrients, contain a good amount of fiber, and carbs. They are full of antioxidants which are shown to aid digestion. Not to mention, they also help you feel fuller, and are the perfect food for athletes.

Blueberries

Blueberries are low in calories and high in nutrients. They contain a small amount of carbs and are high in fiber. Filled with antioxidants and incredibly healthy, blueberries have been shown to help prevent disease and improve health.

Granola

Granola is made up of rolled oats, nuts, and natural sweeteners which are rich in nutrients and fiber. However, lots of granola has additives like inflammatory oils and sugars decreasing its health benefits. So, it’s important to look for granola with natural ingredients and no added sugars or inflammatory oils. You can always make your own as well!

Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats. It also is loaded with vitamins and minerals, which are essential for the body. Additionally, it is high in fiber which aids better digestion. Since, most peanut butters have added ingredients like sugar or oil, the best option is to buy it with peanuts only.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that’s been used for centuries. It is rich in antioxidants and may have Anit-inflammatory properties. Research shows that cinnamon can help improve diseases and lower blood sugar. There are two types of cinnamon: Ceylon and Cassia. Cassia can be harmful in large amounts so a good alternative would be Ceylon cinnamon.

This post contains an affiliate link, but I’d appreciate the support!