By David Saunders | UPDATED: 11:28, 24 April 2020
There is no better time to start using those cupboard essentials that have been pushed to the back, and using them to make something creative.
Take the humble oat for example, with all its health benefits and slow release energy properties, it is the ideal staple ingredient to mould into anything you fancy!
We have gathered four ideas in which you can do more with your oats, and transform them into yummy, healthy snacks and meals.
Over night oats
Over-night oats are a great way to get creative and jazz up your original bowl of porridge! The flavour combinations are endless, plus it also saves you making breakfast in the morning as you would have already done it the night before!
Check out this over-night oats recipe, using Nairn’s Gluten Free Scottish Porridge Oats (£2.00, Sainsbury’s). It also serves as a fantastic source of protein thanks to the Whey!
Ingredients
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60g Nairn’s Gluten Free Oats
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1 tbsp cacao powder
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150ml milk of choice
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15g Whey Protein – flavour of your choice
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1tbsp water
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50g frozen berries
Instructions
1. Combine Oats, Cacao Powder and Milk in a container and refrigerate overnight.
2. The next morning, layer up your Overnight Oat mix and frozen berries in a separate jar, keeping some of the berries separate.
3. Combine your Whey Protein with your water and mix. You’re looking for a runny icing consistency. Add more water if you need to.
4. Pour Whey Protein mix on top and finish off with remaining berries.
Oat cereal bars
Making cereal bars from your oats is a great way to switch it up. It also means that if you are strapped for time, or have endless zoom calls for the day, picking up a pre made cereal bar means you are still getting all those hearty health benefits that oats have to offer! Make these as healthy or naughty as you like, whether that be adding copious amounts of golden syrup (yes please) or adding your favourite protein powder – get creative!
Smoothie bowl
For the people who are trying to embrace their inner fitness guru during their lockdown, an oat smoothie bowl is the perfect choice for a snack, or even for breakfast or lunch. Check out this recipe again, using Nairn’s Gluten Free Scottish Porridge Oats (£2.00, Sainsbury’s).
Ingredients
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1 ripe Avocado
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1 medium Banana
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5-6 Dates
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1-2 handfuls of Spinach
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40g Nairn’s Gluten Free Porridge Oats
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A splash of Coconut Milk
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Chia Seeds
Instructions
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Add avocado, banana, dates (stones removed), spinach, half of the oats and a little coconut milk and blend all together. Add more coconut milk if the mixture is too thick but be careful not to make it too thin as the toppings will sink
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Transfer the mixture into a bowl and decorate with the remaining oats and sprinkle with chia seeds
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Enjoy!
Pancakes
I’m sure we can all agree that pancakes are acceptable at any time of day, whether that be first thing in the morning, or as a cheeky evening snack. Incorporating oats into your pancakes gives them an extra layer of health benefits.
For example, if you are having them at breakfast time, the slow release energy properties from the oats will ensure that you remain fully energised until it’s time for your next meal. All the health benefits plus the delicious taste of pancakes, what more could you want?