Starting your day with a bowl of oatmeal is a smart choice, especially if you're aiming for weight loss. Oats are packed with fiber, which not only keeps you feeling full longer but also promotes a healthy gut microbiome. According to research published in the journal Gut Microbes, a diverse gut microbiome can actually aid in weight loss. Staying fuller longer can help prevent overeating later in the day, making fiber a key player in weight management. By beginning your morning with a nutritious oatmeal recipe, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Another advantage of oatmeal is the endless variety of toppings you can add to support your weight loss goals. Nutritious additions like fruits, nuts, seeds, and nut butter provide extra fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making your meal more balanced, flavorful, and satisfying for a longer period.
So, how can you create the perfect bowl of oatmeal that aligns with your weight loss goals? To help you get started, we've compiled 12 of the most delicious, easy, and healthy oatmeal recipes that you can try at home. Keep reading, and when you’re finished, be sure to check out our guide to the 15 Healthiest Instant Oatmeals on Grocery Shelves.
Oatmeal with Peanut Butter and Banana
One of the most timeless oatmeal combinations is peanut butter and banana, and this recipe elevates it by adding chopped almonds for extra crunch and a touch of agave syrup for sweetness. With just 320 calories, it’s a nutritious and satisfying way to kickstart your day.
Savory Spirulina and Kale Oatmeal
Oatmeal doesn't have to be sweet! This savory oatmeal recipe uses oats, kale, spirulina, and hemp seeds. The oatmeal is topped with carrots, spicy microgreens, and flavorful seasonings. It's so satisfying that you can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Paleo Oatmeal
If you follow a paleo or Whole30 diet, you most likely have had to give up regular oatmeal because oats aren't approved for either eating plan. But don't worry! This paleo-approved oatmeal recipe ditches the oats and uses ingredients like almonds, coconut flakes, chia seeds, and flaxseeds to create a warm, cozy breakfast bowl that is fully grain-free.
Overnight Cinnamon Roll Oats
Overnight oats are one of the easiest and most convenient ways to enjoy oatmeal. You can set it up before bed, let it sit in the fridge overnight, and enjoy the finished product the next morning!
Mango-Ginger Overnight Oats
Another variation of overnight oatmeal, these mango-ginger oats offer a bright and refreshing way to begin your day. With under 250 calories, this recipe provides 5 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein, helping you stay fuller for longer.
Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Sometimes, simplicity is key. These overnight oats are made with just oats, peanut butter, milk, maple syrup, and chia seeds. Combine all the ingredients in a jar and let it sit overnight, ready for you to enjoy first thing in the morning. For an extra burst of flavor, add your favorite berries or nuts as a topping!
Grain Free Oatmeal
Similar to the paleo-friendly oatmeal we mentioned earlier, this grain-free oatmeal recipe is perfect for those who can’t eat oats. Crafted with flaxseeds, chopped nuts, almond flour, chia seeds, milk, cinnamon, and date syrup, it offers a sweet and satisfying breakfast bowl without any grains.
Keto Berries and Cream Overnight Oats
Those who are following a Keto diet or simply limiting carbohydrates usually can't indulge in oatmeal because of oats' high carb count. The great news is that there are plenty of alternative oatmeal recipes, like this Keto oatmeal made with hemp hearts. These hemp hearts combined with walnuts, milk, chia seeds, and vanilla make for a super low-carb oatmeal you can enjoy.
Superfood Overnight Oatmeal
These overnight oats by Cotter Crunch are full of superfoods like blueberries, chia seeds, flaxseeds, cinnamon, and oats. Make the night before so that you can wake up and enjoy first thing in the morning. And with almost 10 grams of fiber per serving, this breakfast will leave you feeling satiated.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Oatmeal
Chocolate chip cookie dough for breakfast? Absolutely! Fit Foodie Finds offers a recipe for No-Bake Cookie Dough Energy Bites, which make the perfect topping for these delicious oats.
Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal
Strawberries, bananas, milk, vanilla, maple syrup, and oats: these are the ingredients in this super simple and tasty strawberry and creme oatmeal bowl. For only 250 calories, this healthy oatmeal will give you 8 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber.
Chocolate Oatmeal
Looking for the ultimate indulgence while staying on track with your health goals? Treat yourself to a bowl of chocolate oatmeal. This recipe from Well Plated uses simple ingredients like oats, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and cinnamon, with optional toppings like yogurt and chocolate chips. Despite tasting like dessert, this delicious bowl contains just 130 calories.