When it comes to weight loss, many people think about the foods they need to cut out of their diets or add in to make them healthier. However, healthy eating doesn't have to be bland or boring. You can still enjoy sweet treats while trying to lose weight by exploring alternative recipes that can satisfy your cravings without sabotaging your progress. Baked oats are an example of such recipes, which have gained popularity on social media recently.
Baked oats are a nutritious and delicious way to potentially suppress sweet cravings. They are also very easy to make, making them a great choice for inexperienced bakers. There are many variations of baked oats recipes circulating on the web, but the ones we've rounded up in this article taste like cake while still being healthy enough to support your weight loss goals.
So if you're looking for a sweet yet healthy treat, give baked oats a try. And for more recipe ideas that can aid in weight loss, check out our article "57 Healthy Weight Loss Dinner Recipes for Super Busy Weeknights."
Why baked oats?
Baked oats have become a popular choice for those looking to lose weight due to several factors.
Oats are High in Fiber, Which Promotes Satiety and Prevents Overeating.
As a whole grain, oats are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar, improve cardiovascular health, lower LDL cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. One cup of raw oats provides approximately 30% of the daily value of dietary fiber.
Oats contain prebiotic fiber that supports gut health, which is linked to weight regulation. As a food with soluble fiber, oats can positively impact digestion and diversify gut microbiota, leading to potential weight loss.
Baked Oat Recipes provide an Opportunity to add Weight Loss-Promoting Ingredients to Your Meal.
While plain oatmeal can be boring, baked oats offer a blank canvas for adding flavors and combinations of macronutrient-dense ingredients that aid in weight loss. By incorporating the right ingredients, baked oats can fuel your metabolism, manage your appetite, and leave you feeling full, satisfied, and energized.
Chocolate Baked Oats
This baked oats recipe is a delightful surprise, using simple ingredients such as oats, cacao, banana, almond milk, and a little microwave time to create a delicious 248 calorie treat. The fiber from the bananas increases the recipe's satiating power, while their high potassium content also supports heart health and blood pressure.
Red Velvet
This red velvet baked oats recipe offers a nutritious twist on the classic dessert, combining fiber- and protein-rich ingredients to fill you up and support your energy levels. Research has shown the benefits of combining protein and fiber for weight loss while following a non-restrictive diet. With 23 grams of protein (without toppings) and 40 grams of oat flour, this recipe packs over 3 grams of filling fiber into a small ramekin. To keep on track with your weight loss journey, we recommend opting for yogurt toppings instead of frosting, as suggested by @bites.by.bean.
Carrot Cake
This baked oats recipe pays homage to carrot cake and offers a nutritious alternative with 24 grams of protein and 284 calories. Combining 1/2 cup of carrots with 40 grams of whole oats, this recipe packs almost 8 grams of fiber, eight times more than what you'd get from a carrot cupcake or muffin.
Strawberry Cheesecake
This baked oats recipe is a perfect treat for cheesecake and berry lovers. The combination of oats, protein powder, light cream cheese, and strawberries creates a decadent, dessert-like treat that's much more weight-loss-friendly than the classic slice. Give this recipe a try, and you may find yourself no longer craving traditional cheesecake.
Vanilla Funfetti
Vanilla funfetti cake is a beloved dessert that's hard to resist, even when trying to lose weight. But with baked oats and vanilla protein powder, you can indulge in this sweet treat without derailing your progress. This recipe provides a convenient dieting loophole that lets you enjoy the flavors you love while staying on track to shed those extra pounds.