Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Recipe | The Foodie Dietitian (2024)

FAQs

Are baked oats good for gut health? ›

Oats contain a type of soluble fiber, called beta glucan, which lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels, thus reducing risk of heart disease and diabetes. Beta glucan also promotes healthy gut bacteria and intestinal health.

Oatmeal is nutritionally rich. It has more protein than most grains and also contains numerous vitamins and minerals. It contains antioxidants and a soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which aids several systems of the body. The beta-glucan soluble fiber promotes regular emptying of the bowel and prevents constipation.

Tips for making baked oats

The difference between baked oatmeal and baked oats is all in the texture. And getting that cake-like texture comes from adding the egg, but also blending the ingredients well.

Oats absorb moisture as they sit—so if you let your batter sit before you bake, you'll run the risk of making a dense, thick, gummy baked oatmeal (when you really want a light, fluffy one), she explains.

Did you know that oats in oatmeal are packed with lectins which poke holes in your gut lining and can lead to health issues in the future, according to Dr. Gundry. One great way to avoid this is by using sorghum in your breakfast bowl rather than oats.

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Soaking the oats overnight reduces the phytic acid content present in the oats better than cooking them. Phytic acid is an antioxidant naturally present in grains, legumes, tubers and certain vegetables.

Additionally, overnight oats retain more of their natural nutrients since they are not exposed to high heat during the cooking process. Cooked oats, on the other hand, have a higher glycemic index compared to overnight oats. This means they may cause a more rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

Fresh fruit will add fiber, vitamins, minerals and some sweetness to your oatmeal. Fruit's fat-soluble vitamins like A, E and K will best absorb if you add in a fat source like nuts, which will also add extra fiber and protein.

Compare 100 calories of baked potato to 100 calories of oatmeal, and you find a bit less protein (3 grams vs. 4), a bit more starch (18 grams vs. 16) and a similar mineral profile (potatoes have more potassium, but oats have more selenium). But potatoes beat out oats in just about every vitamin, as well as fiber.

When should you eat baked oats? ›

You can't beat a bowl of baked oats on a cold morning, so cozy and comforting! This recipe is super easy to make and can be made in advance. Reheat and eat all week! I love breakfasts that you can have ready to go; such a lifesaver on busy mornings.

There aren't any major differences in the nutrition benefits of the three types of oats. All forms of oats are 100% whole grain, a good source of fiber and have the same nutritional information – same calories, fiber and protein per serving.

TO STORE: Refrigerate leftover baked oatmeal for 5 to 7 days, either wrapped in the baking pan or in an airtight container. TO REHEAT: Bake the oatmeal in a 350°F oven until it's warmed through, or simply heat it up in the microwave.

It doesn't even have to be a milk—you can just use water, or a mix of yogurt and water, or applesauce and water, or keifer or whatever liquid you want to infuse your baked oatmeal with.

The texture of oatmeal can vary depending on the cooking liquid used. When cooked with water, oatmeal can become wet and somewhat slimy due to the starches released from the oats during the cooking process. Water doesn't provide the same richness and creaminess as milk, which contributes to the difference in texture.

For your gut health, I would recommend higher fibre options such as oat bran (16g/100g) or whole rolled oats (10g/100g) to the thinner, highly refined 'instant' oats which have less fibre (3g/100g) and are absorbed more quickly, potentially causing a larger blood sugar spike (PMID: 26333512)

A big scoop of warm baked oats with a glass of milk is a satisfying breakfast, and a cooled slice of baked oats can be a tasty snack later in the day. Since baked oats are so soft and easy to digest, many people like baking them in mini muffin tins to turn them into a healthy homemade baby food or toddler snacks.

The intensity of heat while cooking is the contributing factor, lower the heat better the nutrient availability. When you soak the oats overnight, it's almost like you're cooking them, but the process is much longer and slower, and it's done without heat. Hence, it is more nutrient rich than cooked version.

Oats are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol and keeps blood glucose levels under control. The insoluble fiber makes the waste material move past the intestine and protects against constipation.