Starting each day with a nutritious, metabolism-boosting breakfast is one major key to reaching your weight loss goals. While there are many great breakfast options out there, few compare to overnight oats when it comes to factors like convenience, versatility, and flavor. This highly adaptable meal allows you to add just about any ingredients your heart desires—including ones that can help you rev up your metabolism and lose weight.
To discover the best overnight oats additions that can boost your metabolism and satisfy your taste buds. we asked experts Mackenzie Burgess, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices, and Melissa Mitri, Registered Dietitian. They offered two different ingredients that work deliciously together: medjool dates and chia seeds.
Medjool dates
Burgess swears by medjool dates. She says they're her "go-to ingredient to add to overnight oats lately," and it's not just because they taste amazing. These sweet dates also offer tons of nutritional benefits that can give you the power you need to stay fuller longer and burn more calories throughout the day. "They're packed with tons of nutrients including heart-healthy fiber and potassium," Burgess raves. Sounds amazing!
Medjool dates are a great source of fiber, which is an important factor in any healthy diet—especially if you're trying to lose weight. "Research shows increasing fiber in the diet can help with weight management and promote modest weight loss," Burgess confirms.
Adding this ingredient to your breakfast is super simple, too. "Simply pit, chop, and stir into your oats," Burgess instructs. And if you really want to create a delicious batch of overnight oats, throw in Mitri's suggestion: chia seeds.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are a fantastic addition to virtually any overnight oats recipe. They help promote a thicker consistency, taste delicious, and can aid your weight loss thanks to numerous health benefits. That's why Mitri says they're her favorite metabolism-boosting ingredient.
Mitri explains that chia seeds offer "anti-inflammatory fats that are filling and packed with fiber." Like Burgess, Mitri notes the value of a fibrous diet. "Fiber has been shown to support a healthy metabolism and aid in weight loss, and adding in chia seeds is a super simple way to sneak in more fiber," she says. When you combine this ingredient with medjool dates, your overnight oats will offer a killer, fibrous meal to get you through the day and help you shed those pounds. Yum!
Luckily, Burgess offers a great recipe that will do just that—and it's so simple. "I typically combine ½ cup of rolled oats with 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, 2 chopped dates, and ½ cup of milk," she says. "Then, let sit overnight to thicken." We can't think of an easier healthy breakfast!
