How to Make Your Oatmeal More Filling

If you’re like us, you’re a huge fan of oatmeal. Our favorite way to enjoy oatmeal is with cashew pieces sprinkled on top or with some cashew butter mixed in. Oatmeal is quick, easy, and incredibly healthy. In fact, studies have shown that eating oatmeal regularly is linked to your ability to lead a longer, healthier life. Oatmeal is also known to be a proven powerhouse for fighting for good cardiovascular health. However, anyone who is on the oatmeal train knows that even though it’s full of great fiber, without any additional fat or protein, oatmeal can often leave you feeling a little hungry and unsatisfied. Figuring out delicious ways to add protein and fat to your oatmeal will have you singing oatmeal’s praises once again. We’re here to help you break down why you should be adding fat and protein to your oatmeal, and we have a few delicious recipes to try for yourself.

The Science Behind Better Oatmeal

We’ve already established that oatmeal is a high-fiber food, making it a great breakfast choice and one of the best pre and post-workout snacks. It’s relatively low in calories and fat, which also makes it a good choice for those of us looking to maintain a healthy body weight or living with diabetes. Oatmeal is lacking in two macronutrients that help you stave off hunger for hours. Fat and protein are key ingredients to add to your oatmeal to keep you fuller, longer. And while it does have some protein, it’s not enough to keep hunger at bay.

Fat does the best job keeping you fuller, longer. Protein helps curb the hormone ghrelin, which gets released when your body needs more fuel. So putting these two together into your fiber-packed oatmeal gives you a well-rounded breakfast that will keep you satisfied until lunch.

How to Add More Fat and Protein to Your Oatmeal

One of the easiest ways to add protein and fat to your oatmeal is by adding nuts. We love to add cashew pieces because cashews boast healthy amounts of fat and protein. We like a little crunch on top from cashew pieces, but maybe you’re more of a cashew butter person. A spoonful of cashew or peanut butter on top of your oatmeal would both be great additions because they each provide protein and fat. If you’re looking to up your fat and protein in a different way, consider more nuts and seeds (like pumpkin seeds), protein powder, or greek yogurt.

Our Favorite Ways to Eat Oatmeal

If you’re curious about how to add fat and protein to your oatmeal but are feeling uninspired, don’t worry! We’re here to help. We’ve compiled several recipes that we think you’ll not only love, but that you’ll also want to make again and again.

Classic Oatmeal with a Protein Twist

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup rolled oats
• 2 Cups non-dairy milk
• 1 medium banana
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 TBSP cashew butter or nut butter of your choice
• 1 TBSP cashew pieces
• Optional: blueberries or other berries to top

Directions:

• Combine oats, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Turn on to medium/medium-high heat.
• Bring oat and milk mixture to a boil, then turn down to low/medium to allow the mixture to simmer for up to 5 minutes as the oatmeal thickens.
• Once oatmeal is desired consistency, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl.
• Add cashew butter to oatmeal, and top with cashew pieces, banana, and any additional fruit.

Savory Oatmeal with Avocado, Egg, and Cashew Crunch

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup rolled oats
• 2 Cups non-dairy milk
• Pinch of salt
• 1 TBSP butter or oil of your choice
• ½ Avocado, sliced
• 1 Egg, fried
• 1-2 TBSP cashew pieces, seasoned to your liking

Directions:

• Combine oats and non-dairy milk in a saucepan. Turn on to medium/medium-high heat.
• Bring oat and milk mixture to a boil, then turn down to low/medium to allow the mixture to simmer for up to 5 minutes as the oatmeal thickens.
• Once oatmeal is desired consistency, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl.
• While oatmeal is cooling, heat a small fry pan on medium/medium-high heat.
• Add butter or oil to pan when it gets hot. Butter should melt in pan.
• Add egg to pan, fry to your liking.
• Add egg, avocado, and cashew pieces to top your oatmeal.
• Season with salt and pepper and your favorite hot sauce