These protein-packed strawberry and banana overnight oats make getting  a healthy, nutrient-rich breakfast easy. They are made in advance and can be eaten hot or cold.

Quick breakfast ideas for times when you are on the go

Mornings are BUSY! As a working mom of three kids, I get it. From the moment I get up at 5:30 am, it’s a race to get the kids out the door for school and myself out the door on time for work.  But, despite the crazy – getting a healthy and nourishing meal before leaving we the house is a MUST!

That’s why overnight oats are a great breakfast option. They are made in advance and ready-to-eat when you are. They’re a great on-the-go options, too. Just grab from the refrigerator, and hand off to the kids as they head out the door.

What Are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are simply raw oats combined with liquid, then put in the refrigerator to soak overnight. Throughout the night, the oats soften as they absorb the liquid leaving you with a ready-to-eat breakfast in the morning. They require no-cooking (yay!) and make it easy to eat healthy, even during hectic mornings. They also make a great after-school, after-work or after-exercise snack.

Overnight oats are also very versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways. I like to blend whey protein into my oats to boost the protein content. This recipe offers 10 grams of protein for the 190 calorie serving. It also has 4 grams of fiber. That protein and fiber combination is a win-win for satiety and controlling hunger.

Flavorful overnight oats made with whey protein, strawberries and bananas for a quick and easy breakfast. Provides 190 calories, 10 gram s of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving.

Are Overnight Oats Healthy?

Overnight oats are definitely a healthy option. Incorporating oats into your diet can help reduce heart disease risk and help remove bad cholesterol from the body. That’s a pretty healthy reason to eat them if you ask me.

It’s the soluble fiber in oats that give them that healthy title. Soluble fiber is the type that helps reduce LDL (low-density lipoprotein), or the “bad” cholesterol. Incorporating 5-10 grams of soluble fiber a day has been shown to decrease LDL cholesterol. And, insoluble fiber helps keep your digestive function regular. The overnight oats recipe I’m sharing with you provides 4 grams. One bowl of this recipe a day and you almost to the soluble fiber goal.

Should Overnight Oats Be Eaten Hot or Cold?

When my clients ask me for quick breakfast ideas, I always share an overnight oats recipe. Those that have never had them sometimes wonder if they should heat them or eat them cold? The answer is – however you want to.

Personally, I prefer eating them cold, but many people prefer warm oats in the morning. That’s one of the great things about this breakfast. It can be adjusted to suit your taste and texture preferences.

Flavorful overnight oats made with whey protein, strawberries and bananas for a quick and easy breakfast. Provides 190 calories, 10 gram s of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving.

Protein-Packed Strawberry & Banana Overnight Oats

The overnight oats recipe I’m sharing here is one of my favorite breakfasts to make.

The first step is to make the fruit puree. Put the frozen strawberries, one of the bananas and ¼ cut water in a food processor and process until smooth. The hot water helps to warm the frozen strawberries a bit so that they puree completely. Another option is to allow the frozen strawberries to sit out for an hour or so prior to blending. I typically forget to do that, so using hot water works just as good.

Once the fruit puree is blended, transfer it to a large bowl with the raw oats, skim milk and protein powder. Stir it well, then separate it into five equal servings. I like to use small jars with lids, but you can use any container with an air-tight sealed lid. Then you just transfer it to the refrigerator to soften. In the morning, your breakfast will be waiting for you. Top it with a few strawberries and banana slices, then enjoy.

Flavorful overnight oats made with whey protein, strawberries and bananas for a quick and easy breakfast. Provides 190 calories, 10 gram s of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving.

You’ll be well-fueled and ready for a successful, healthy day.

Want more breakfast ideas? Check out these protein power oats with nuts and berries or this ricotta and blackberry toast.

How To Make Protein packed overnight oats
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Protein-Packed Strawberry & Banana Overnight Oats

These protein-packed strawberry and banana overnight oats make getting  a healthy, nutrient-rich breakfast easy. They are made in advance and can be eaten hot or cold.
Author: Heather Mangieri, RDN

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups oats, raw
  • 2 cups skim milk
  • 1/4 cup hot water
  • 1/4 cup whey proten powder, vanilla
  • 8 frozen strawberries, medium
  • 2 bananas, small
  • 10 fresh strawberries, medium

Instructions

  • Set aside 1 banana and the fresh strawberries for the topping
  • In a mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients with the milk and set aside
  • Put the frozen strawberries , 1 banana and ¼ cut water in a food processor and process until smooth. 
  • Add the fruit puree to the oats and stir until well combined. Pour into 5 separate mason jars or another sealed container and store in the refrigerator overnight. 

Prior to eating, slice fresh strawberries and a few banana slices on top and enjoy.

    Notes

    • These overnight oats will keep in the refrigerator 4-5 days.
    • Can be enjoyed cold or warm
    • Makes: 5 servings
    • Serving Size: ¾ cup
    • Nutrition Facts (per serving): 190 calories, 35 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 2.5 g fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 10 g protein
    • Meal Planning Serving Sizes: 2 CHO; 1.5 PRO; 0.5 FAT
     

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?  Tag @heathermangieri  on Instagram and hashtag it #HeatherMangieriNutrition to all recipes. Or, Pin it on Pinterest for later!

    Please follow and like us: