Overnight oats are one of the most popular diet options, although they can be consumed on any occasion and for different purposes. It can be considered a diet food if it contains low-calorie ingredients, minimally sweetened toppings, and low fat. However, overnight oats can also help you to gain weight because it has many benefits that provide surplus calories to the body, but with healthy ingredients.
Therefore, knowing some of the benefits of overnight oats for weight gain can help you understand why overnight oats can also be a good source of surplus calories for the body, especially when topped with vitamins.
Benefits of Overnight Oats for Weight Gain
Here are some of the benefits of consuming overnight oats that can help you gain weight in a short period.
High protein content
Every type of oats is high in protein and can help you get your daily dose of human protein. Oats My Goodness offers overnight oats with 20g of protein, making it a quick and high-protein breakfast option. Moreover, you can also add some sources of protein with vanilla protein powder to enhance the flavour and nutrition. By consuming high-protein overnight oats, you can reap numerous benefits, including weight gain, maintaining healthy bones and muscles, and supporting your body’s immune system.
High-calorie density
A half-cup of oats, which will be used to make overnight oats, contains approximately 152 calories. To make overnight oats, you will need additional ingredients, such as non-dairy milk, chia seeds, natural sweeteners like honey, and various toppings. With different ingredients, you can get 300 and 500 calories with 2.6 grams of fat, especially when adding protein sources like nut butter. By consuming overnight oats regularly for a few days, you will be gaining weight faster.
Flexibility
Oats are a versatile food that makes them suitable for combining with many other types of ingredients. You can customise some ingredients that have more calories, like flavoured yogurt or nut butter, to increase the calories of plain overnight oats. This can be achieved by adding toppings such as fruit or peanut butter if you prefer a slightly nutty flavour.
Source of healthy fats
Foods that come from animal products are generally very high in fat and unhealthy, which can lead to diseases such as high cholesterol and liver disease. Therefore, gaining weight by using vegan food is a perfect option for you. Moreover, oats have 2.6 grams of fat, and you can also still get other fat levels from different ingredients like coconut milk and yogurt.
Energy
Because they are high in fibre, minerals, and protein, oats make you feel fuller for longer as well as have more energy. The energy obtained when consuming overnight oats will help you to do daily activities, especially if you are a student or a worker.
How to Eat Overnight Oats for Weight Gain?
To effectively use overnight oats for weight gain, aim to add ingredients that are high in healthy fats and protein, such as flavoured protein powder, to increase calorie intake. For example, nut butter, full-fat milk, yogurt, chia seeds, or hemp seeds could be the options for your overnight oats. The oats themselves provide a great source of carbohydrates, and the added ingredients give you the necessary calories to support weight gain. You can prepare them the night before for a convenient, filling breakfast. Just make sure to control portion sizes and add nutrient-dense toppings to meet your calorie needs.
Overnight Oats Recipe for Weight Gain
You will need other ingredients, such as non-dairy milk like cashew milk, oat milk, or almond milk, to serve as the liquid to soak the oats. Then, you can mix it with chia seeds and a tablespoon of cinnamon, which will give you a more unique texture in the morning. Add honey as a sweetener and let the oats sit in the fridge for at least 6 hours. You can add a variety of toppings in the morning. You can add fruits, vanilla extract, or spices to make overnight oats with banana, frozen berries, or peanut butter and overnight oats with flaxseed, according to your preference. In the morning, your overnight oats are ready to be enjoyed and will provide you with plenty of energy for your activities.
Considerations When Using Overnight Oats for Weight Gain
When using overnight oats to gain weight, it’s important to focus on adding extra calories from nutrient-dense foods. However, be careful not to overdo it with sugar or processed foods, as they can contribute to unwanted fat gain rather than lean muscle. Keep track of your calorie intake to ensure you are consistently in a caloric surplus, especially when enjoying rich oatmeal recipes.
Portion control is also essential when using rolled oats to meet your dietary goals. Even healthy foods can lead to excessive weight gain that may not align with your fitness objectives. As always, it’s a good idea to consult a nutritionist to find the right balance for your body type and weight gain goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are overnight oats good for gains?
Yes, overnight oats are an excellent choice for weight gain, especially when combined with high-calorie ingredients like flavoured nut butter. Oats themselves are packed with complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy, while adding ingredients like nut butter, full-fat milk, and creamy seeds increases calorie density. This makes them ideal for individuals seeking to gain weight healthily.
What can I mix with oats to gain weight?
To gain weight with oats, mix in calorie-dense ingredients such as nut butter (peanut, almond), seeds (chia, flax), plant-based milk, yogurt, dried fruits, honey, and flavoured protein powder. These additions increase both the calorie content and nutritional value of the oats.
Is it OK to eat overnight oats every day?
It’s perfectly fine to eat overnight oats every day, especially if you’re looking to gain weight. They are a convenient and nutritious option for breakfast or a snack, and their versatility allows for many variations, including flavoured options. Just be sure to rotate the ingredients and add protein to meet your calorie needs and maintain variety.
Conclusion
Overnight oats are a nutritious and effective meal option for anyone looking to gain weight. By incorporating calorie-rich ingredients such as nut butter, full-fat dairy, and seeds, you can create a satisfying and energy-dense meal. It’s important to prioritise the quality of the calories you consume and to keep track of your intake. Additionally, pairing overnight oats with other high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods throughout the day can further support your weight gain goals.
Looking to enhance your healthy eating habits? Visit Oats My Goodness to discover more delicious and nutritious overnight oats that can aid in your weight loss journey.
