As the temperature drops, there is nothing better than a big bowl of oats to start the day. But if you are up early or like to eat once you are settled at your desk, baked oatmeal can be a great option to have on the go too.

I absolutely love oats. 

There are such a great addition to my day. I usually like to time them around my training as the higher carbohydrate component can be a really valuable tool to help with performance and recovery. But oats are an amazing ingredient that really do make an amazing snack or breakfast option.

Here it why.

1. Oats contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fibers helps to lower cholesterol and stabilize blood glucose levels, while the insoluble fiber helps improve intestinal health.
2. Oats make an easy, balanced breakfast. Yon easily play around with the other ingredients to change the macro profile of the dish you are creating… adding egg whites, protein powder and nut butter will all help to increase the protein and fat content of your meal to suit your goals.
3. They are nutrient dense too. Oats are also not only higher in carbs, which help to keep you feeling fuller for longer, they are also high in other important minerals, like thiamin, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, selenium, and iron.

Convinced? Here are my three favourite recipes I have on the go this week. 

Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Calories 370/ Fats 8g/ CHO 52g/ Protein 20g

• cups oats
• 1 1/2 cups almond milk
• 2 egg whites
• 1/4 cup sultanas
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 medium apple
• 2 tsp, cinnamon
• 1/2 cup pea protein

Blackberry Baked Oatmeal

Calories 465/ Fats 10g/ CHO 47g/ Protein 33g

Ingredients:

• 8 egg whites
• ½ cup almond milk
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ baking powder
• 2 cups quick oats
• 1/2 cup pea protein
• 1 cup blackberries
• 4-8 tsp stevia
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Banana and Choco Chip Baked Oatmeal

Calories 399/ Fats 9g/ CHO 59g / Protein 22g

• 3 egg whites
• 1½ cups almond milk
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas, about 2 small bananas
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups oats
• 1-2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 cup pea protein powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips.

Method for all recipes:

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together all ingredients. Pour mixture into a greased 23 x23 pan. Bake until firm 34-45 minutes.

Do you want to get you hands on another easy to make breakfast recipe? Check out our baked frittata recipe here.