Proats (Protein Oats/Protein Porridge) have been made popular by those looking to add an extra shot of protein into their diets. This powerful porridge packs a punch by using protein powder mixed with porridge oats. This combination is quick, easy and ensures you get the protein your body needs to go harder in your workouts. Proats really are the perfect way to get more protein into your diet!

If you needed any more reasons to start making your own Proats, the oatie experts over at MOMA have put together their favourite protein porridge facts below!

Experiment with Proat flavours

Protein powders now come in a huge variety of different flavours, from banana, chocolate, to more extravagant flavours like creme brulee and peanut butter cookie. Simply mix a scoop of your protein powder into your porridge oats before adding a splash of boiling water. You might need to add a little bit more than you usually would due to the protein powder.

Proats keep you fuller for longer – perfect if you’re working out!

We all know that porridge oats are amazing for releasing energy slowly and consistently throughout the morning – meaning you’ll keep hunger at bay for longer. Additional protein can ensure you don’t reach for less healthy snacks whilst waiting for your next big meal.

The body takes longer and uses more energy to digest protein, which makes it great for filling you up. Not only is it good for keeping you fuller for longer, but protein is also essential for repairing and building muscle, making Proats the perfect pre/post morning workout meal.

Quick and easy to make and eat!

It is reported that many of us don’t get enough protein in our diets and with our busy, fast paced lives getting in the way, Proats are the perfect quick and easy breakfast solution. Just like overnight oats, Proats can be made the night before in a bowl or jar and eaten as soon as you wake up in the morning. Pre-preparing your Proats can also be handy for when you are rushing to and from the gym, and need a quick post workout meal.

Easy to transport

If you’re using porridge sachets to make your Proats, consider making them in a jar or an easy to carry tub to make them easy to eat on-the-go! You could even add your protein powder to an instant porridge pot such as the MOMA Super Seeds Porridge Pot, which already contains 13g of protein per serving – perfect for eating on the go!

The benefits of a high protein diet

Skipping breakfast increases your chances of snacking on unhealthy foods throughout the day so adding in a protein rich meal in the morning could help you keep both your weight and cholesterol down.

High protein meals are essential for fuelling pre and post workout. Whether you hit the gym in the morning, or prefer an afternoon session, starting your day out right can make all the difference to your training.

I wrote an article this morning about the effects of exercise on your skin. In that article I mentioned I have a cow’s milk allergy and that I drink soy milk or soya milk instead. I’m never sure it has an ‘a’ on the end or not! The taste of soy milk is ok in my opinion and it changes depending on which brand you buy. I didn’t realise that more and more people are switching to soy milk because of the added health benefits. I’ve listed a few of them below. A big thank-you to the soya.be website for some of the facts and figures used in this article.

Isoflavones
The presence of isoflavones is the most important and unique benefit of soy milk. Each cup of soy milk contains about 20mg isoflavones (mainly genistein and daidzein). Cow’s milk does not contain isoflavones. Isoflavones have many health benefits including reduction of cholesterol, easing of menopause symptoms, prevention of osteoporosis and reduction of risk for certain cancers (prostate cancer and breast cancer). Incidents of these cancers are very low in countries with high intake of soy products, including soy milk. Isoflavones are also antioxidants which protect our cells and DNA against oxidation.

Allergies
Only 0.5 percent of children are allergic to soy milk, whereas 2.5 percent are allergic to cow’s milk.

Vegetable proteins
Vegetable proteins have a great advantage in that there’s a lower loss of calcium through the kidneys. Research has also shown that a diet rich in animal (and dairy protein) creates a higher risk for osteoporosis.

Diabetes
Although this is not confirmed, some studies have shown an association between drinking cow’s milk in early life and the development of insulin dependent diabetes. This association does not exist with soy milk.

No lactose
About 75 percent of the world population cannot tolerate lactose. Some ethnic groups are more affected than others. For example 75 percent of Africans and 90 percent of Asians have lactose intolerance. As an additional benefit, soy milk contains the prebiotic sugars stachyose and raffinose. These prebiotic sugars boost immunity and help decrease toxic substances in the body.

Cholesterol
The saturated fats in cow’s milk are unhealthy and increase your cholesterol. The protein in cow’s milk has no benefits for the cholesterol. Soy protein can decrease cholesterol levels. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration of US) confirms that soy protein, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart. The FDA recommends to incorporate 25 grams of soy protein in your daily meals.

No hormones
Cow’s milk contains natural hormones (from the cow) but also synthetic hormones, which can influence the good working of our own body. The synthetic hormone rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) increase milk production by as much as 20 percent.

If you don’t drink it already, maybe give it a try. If you like it, you could try introducing it into your diet. Try drinking it alongside cow’s milk so you get the best of both worlds.

Enjoy!