These basic protein oats (proats) are my go-to meal prep breakfast. It’s super quick and easy to whip up, is super filling, can be easily changed up to prevent flavour boredom, and has a hefty dose of protein to start your day off right!
Basic Protein Oats (Proats)
Are oats gluten-free?
Oats contain a gluten protein called avenin, this is slightly different to the gluten protein found in wheat (gliadin), rye (secalin) and barley (hordein).
As the protein structure is slightly different, oats are safe for MOST people, who are coeliac or gluten intolerant, to consume.
It is important to note that “normal” oats are often harvested and processed on the same equipment as gluten-containing products, which often leads to contamination from wheat, rye or barley.
This means it is important to purchase oats that are labelled gluten-free, to ensure that they are free from any contamination – especially if your symptoms are severe or you are trying oats for the first time.
To read more about this, click here
Why add protein powder?
Adding protein powder to cooked oatmeal ups its protein content (one serving has 22g protein), while also making the oatmeal more voluminous and satiating – all positive things when trying to fight off mid-morning munchies or when calorie counting.
Meal Prep and Proats…
How long will this be good for?
These basic protein oats (proats) are good (safe to eat and still tasty) when stored in the fridge for up to five days.
How can I reheat them?
Microwave:
- In a microwave-safe dish, cook the proats in the microwave, for approx 1 minute 30 seconds on high or until desired temperature is reached.
Stovetop:
- Place proats into a saucepan and add 2 TBSP water per serving, over a medium heat, stir proats to break up. Stir frequently until mixture starts to boil, then remove from heat and enjoy.
To freeze or not to freeze?
You can definitely freeze these proats to help make your mornings easier. When you want to eat them, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove as per above, until the desired temperature is reached.
Handy Tip… think about how you will reheat the proats and use an appropriate meal prep container or freeze them into pucks like they’ve done over at Popsugar.
Happy meal prepping! – Linda
Basic Protein Oats (Proats) Recipe
Recipe Notes:
- You can use milk of your preference. Higher fat milk will lend a creamier texture, but will increase calories, while using a lower fat milk, milk substitute (such as almond milk or rice milk) or water will decrease overall calorie count.
- Whey protein can be substituted with a plant-based protein; however, this might alter the consistency as plant-based proteins tend to be more absorptive.