In our busy lives, maintaining a healthy diet is essential, especially when it comes to breakfast. Finding quick, convenient, and nutritious options can be challenging, but protein overnight oats are a game changer. They are perfect for anyone looking to increase their protein intake, which is super effective for weight loss. Studies suggest that consuming at least 20 grams of protein at breakfast can significantly aid weight loss efforts.

If you've tried protein overnight oats before and weren't a fan of the texture, or if sticking to a good breakfast routine is something you struggle with, or if you've heard that protein only comes from meat—don't fret! There's a world of delicious protein sources out there, and guess what? Oats are one of them which is why they are the perfect base for a protein rich breakfast.

Here are 10 hacks that will not only solve your breakfast dilemmas but also make your overnight oats experience so good, you'll wonder why you ever doubted them in the first place. Get ready to say goodbye to breakfast boredom and hello to a tasty, nutritious start to your day!

1. Greek Yogurt Power-Up

Effort Rating: Low Effort

This hack involves adding a dollop of Greek yogurt, which is quick and easy.

Hack: Mix in a dollop of greek yogurt. Why: Greek yogurt is packed with protein and adds a creamy texture, eliminating the mushy texture that some people dislike in overnight oats. It also adds a tangy flavour that pairs well with various toppings. Simply combine all of your wet ingredients and stir until the mixture is smooth before adding your dry ingredients.

2. Protein Powder Punch

Effort Rating: Low Effort

This hack involves mixing a scoop of protein with oats requires a bit of stirring but is still very straightforward.

Hack: Mix in a scoop of your favourite protein powder. Why: Protein powder is an easy and versatile way to boost the protein content. Choose from a variety of flavours like vanilla, chocolate, or even unflavoured to complement your oats. Mix the dry protein powder with your oats well to ensure they are combined before adding your wet ingredients.

3. Nut Butter Boost

Effort Rating: Low Effort

Stirring in nut butter is simple but requires a bit of effort to ensure it is well mixed.

Hack: Stir in a tablespoon of almond butter, peanut butter, or any nut butter of your choice. Why: Nut butters are rich in protein and healthy fats, adding creaminess and a rich, satisfying flavour to your oats. The saltiness also really amps up the whole flavour of the oats.

4. Chia Seeds and Flaxseeds

• Effort Rating: Low Effort

Adding a tablespoon of seeds is quick and easy.

Hack: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseeds. Why: These seeds are not only high in protein but also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, which help keep you full longer. They also help thicken the oats, providing a more consistent texture.

5. Cottage Cheese, Yes Please!

Effort Rating: Moderate Effort

Mixing cottage cheese and optionally adding protein powder requires slightly more effort for smooth blending.

Hack: Mix in half a cup of cottage cheese. Why: Full Fat cottage cheese is a great source of protein, it packs 7.1 grams per ¼ cup and blends smoothly into the oats, enhancing the creamy texture without overpowering the flavour. Now we know this sounds a bit out there, but if you add ½ scoop of vanilla protein powder, and some natural sweetner like maple syrup, it makes these overnight oats taste like a delicious (but healthy) dessert.

6. Egg White Magic

• Effort Rating: Moderate Effort

Separating and stirring in liquid egg whites requires ensuring they are well mixed and pasteurised, which adds a bit more complexity.

Hack: Stir in liquid egg whites before refrigerating. Why: Egg whites are a pure protein source and mix well with oats. They help the oats set and create a fluffier texture. Ensure the eggs are pasteurised if you're concerned about raw egg whites.

7. Quinoa for Extra Protein

• Effort Rating: Considerable Effort

Cooking and mixing quinoa into oats involves cooking and mixing steps, slightly more time-consuming.

Hack: Cook quinoa and mix it into your oats. Why: Quinoa is a complete protein and adds a slightly nutty flavour and a bit of texture to your overnight oats, making them more interesting and nutrient-dense.

Cooked quinoa can be batch cooked and stored in the fridge for up to five days. Ready cooked quinoa is available in most supermarkets for even more convenience.

8. Choose Your Milk Wisely

Effort Rating: Low Effort

Using a high-protein milk requires no additional effort.

Hack: Use high-protein milk, such as soy milk, cow or oat milk. Why: The milk you choose is an extra way to boost the overall protein in your oats. Check out the nutritional value per glass of milk (8 ounces below).

9. Tofu for Plant-Based Protein

Effort Rating: Considerable Effort

Blending silken tofu and mixing it into the oats involves a few more steps and equipment (blender), making it more involved.

Hack: Blend silken tofu into your oats mixture. Why: Silken tofu is a fantastic source of plant-based protein and blends smoothly, adding creaminess without altering the flavour significantly. This is a great alternative to protein powders for making vegan protein overnight oats.

Simply blend the tofu, sweetener, vanilla, and salt. In a bowl or other container, combine the oats and any other dry ingredients such as chia seeds. Pour the blended tofu mixture over the oats, and stir until fully incorporated. Any leftover silken tofu is generally good for 3 to 5 days, as long as you've stored it in an airtight container in the fridge.

10. Batch Cooking Brilliance

Effort Rating: Moderate Effort

Preparing a large batch of overnight oats to last a week requires more initial effort but saves time in the long run.

Hack: Prepare a large batch of overnight oats to last the entire week. Why: Batch cooking saves time and ensures you have a quick and nutritious breakfast ready each morning plus individual jars can be quite tedious when feeding lots of people. So this simple hack means that you can portion out individual servings and add different mix-ins and toppings to keep things exciting.

Here is how to batch-cook protein overnight oats to serve 6.

• Take a large bowl or container with a lid and fill it about halfway with oats and any dry protein sources, i.e. protein powder.
• Add enough liquid (milk, water, or a non-dairy alternative) until the oats are just barely covered.
• Add a pinch of salt and some sweetener to taste. It's better to start with less sweetener and adjust later.
• Stir the mixture well.
• Taste the mixture and add more sweetener if needed.

Refrigeration Options:

Option 1

• Cover the bowl and refrigerate. The oatmeal will keep for up to 3 days.
• When ready to serve, set out a variety of add-ins (fruits, nuts, spices, etc.) and let everyone customise their own bowl.

Option 2

• Stir in your desired add-ins (fruits, nuts, spices, etc.) directly into the mixture.
• Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Option 3

• Divide the oatmeal into individual jars and add your chosen flavours to each jar.
• Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Oaty Effort Scale

To make these hacks as accessible as possible we've outlined the effort level required so you can choose the option that best fit your schedule and commitment level.

Extra Overnight Oats Hacks...

With these hacks, your overnight oats will not only be a powerhouse of protein but also delicious, convenient, and satisfying. Say goodbye to boring breakfasts and hello to a healthier, more energised you!