What Are the Benefits of Putting Protein Powder in Your Oatmeal?

Oatmeal can help the body ward off heart disease.

Oatmeal is a nutrient-warrior against heart disease, high cholesterol, cancer and belly fat. It also tastes good and is on the Mayo Clinic's 'Top Five' list of cholesterol-lowering foods. Supplementing oats with protein powder boosts their benefits.

Function

The building blocks of a healthy body.

Adding protein powder to oatmeal can enhance the body's ability to generate healthy bones, cartilage, skin and blood.

Expert Insight

Remember extra protein when exercising.

Unlike fats and carbohydrates, the body does not store protein and has no reservoir to draw from when needed. Dr. Andrew Weil recommends consuming between 80 and 120 grams on a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet. Eat less protein if you have liver or kidney problems, allergies or autoimmune disease.

Double the Increase

Milk adds protein.

Oats have some protein, but you can increase your morning consumption of it by adding a scoop of protein powder to the oats and cooking them with milk instead of water to pump up the protein content.

Power Combo

Healthiness in every bite.

Jennifer Adler, a certified nutritionist from Bastyr University, suggests adding protein powder plus nut butters, especially almond or cashew, or chopped walnuts and pistachios, to add protein to oatmeal.

Potential

Combining the effects of oatmeal and protein creates a powerhouse with which to start your day and maintain a healthy body, inside and out.

References

• Benefits of oatmeal
• Dr. Andrew Weil on protein
• Bastyr Nutritionist, Jennifer Adler

Resources

• Top Five Foods list--Mayo Clinic