1000 Calorie Oatmeal for Weight Gain
This high-calorie oatmeal provides just over 1,000 calories in a single serving, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to gain weight. It combines protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates with vitamins and minerals to create a nutrient-dense meal.
This recipe can be made in the microwave or on the stovetop, depending on your preference. It takes 3 minutes in the microwave or 4 minutes on the stovetop.
Ingredients and Substitutes
- Rolled Oats: Rolled oats or quick oats create the perfect creamy texture for this oatmeal. Quick oats will cook faster, while rolled oats provide a slightly chewier consistency. Avoid steel-cut oats, as they require longer cooking times.
- Whole Milk: Whole milk adds richness and plenty of calories. If you prefer, you can use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, but it may lower the calorie count.
- Peanut Butter: Adds a creamy texture, a boost of healthy fats, and a delicious nutty flavor. Almond butter or cashew butter can be used as substitutes.
- Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens the oatmeal while adding a subtle maple flavor. Honey works well as an alternative, or you can skip it for less sweetness.
- Protein Powder: Chocolate protein powder enhances the flavor and increases protein content. You can also use vanilla, strawberry, or unflavored protein powder to suit your taste. You can also use non-flavored protein powder and a tablespoon of cocoa powder if you have non-flavored protein powder or omit the protein powder if preferred.
- Toppings: The peanut butter and banana topping adds even more calories and nutrients. Feel free to customize with other high-calorie toppings like nuts, seeds, berries or dark chocolate chips.
Types of Protein Powders for This Oatmeal
The type of protein powder you use will adjust the overall texture and nutrition of the oatmeal. Here are some guidelines based on my experience and testing:
- Whey Protein Powder: It doesn’t thicken the oatmeal as much as other proteins, making it ideal if you prefer a thinner consistency. Whey protein is fast-absorbing, making it perfect for post-workout recovery.
- Casein Protein Powder: Absorbs more liquid than other proteins, you’ll need to add an extra ½ cup of liquid to maintain the right consistency. Casein protein is absorbed slowly, making it ideal for muscle repair over extended periods, such as overnight or during long gaps between meals.
- Brown Rice Protein Powder: A vegan and gluten-free option, brown rice protein that has a slightly earthy flavor. It thickens the oatmeal more than whey protein but less than casein protein powder.
Expert Tips
Cook to Your Desired Consistency: Whether on the stovetop or microwave, you can control the texture of your oatmeal. For thicker oatmeal, cook longer until the liquid is absorbed. For thinner oatmeal, stir in additional milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Spice It Up: To keep things spiced up, you can add spices to mix up the flavors of your oatmeal. Cinnamon and nutmeg are good choices.
Stir and Cook on Low Heat for Stovetop: Cook oatmeal on the stovetop over low to medium heat and stir frequently. This prevents the bottom of the pan from catching and burning.
Storage and Leftovers
Let any leftover oatmeal cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two days.
If the oatmeal thickens in the fridge, add a small amount of milk or water and stir to restore its creamy texture.
Reheat the oatmeal in the microwave at medium power. Heat for one minute, stir, and continue heating in 30-second intervals until it is warmed through. Alternatively, heat it on the stovetop over low heat while stirring regularly to prevent sticking.
FAQs
Can I make this oatmeal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the oatmeal in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.
Do I need to use protein powder?
No, protein powder is optional. While it increases the protein content of the oatmeal, you can simply omit it if you prefer. The oatmeal will still be delicious and high in protein. The addition of protein powder balances the macronutrients more.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the oatmeal?
Add more maple syrup for extra sweetness, or use alternatives like honey, agave nectar, or a sugar-free sweetener if you’re strict on your sugar consumption.
Can I use water instead of milk?
Yes, you can cook the oatmeal with water instead of milk, using the same 1:1 ratio. While this lowers the calorie count, it’s a suitable option for those who prefer not to use milk.
1000 Calorie Oatmeal for Weight Gain
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan (for stovetop method)
- 2 Microwave-safe bowl (for microwave method)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Rolled oats (or quick oats)
- 1 ½ cup Whole milk (or plant-based milk to make this recipe dairy-free and vegan)
- 2 tbsp Peanut butter (or almond butter)
- ½ tbsp Maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 oz Chocolate protein powder (or other flavor/non-flavored)
Topping
- 1 tbsp Peanut butter (or almond butter, for topping)
- 1 small Banana sliced (for topping)
Instructions
Microwave Instructions:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, mix together oats, milk, 2 tbsp peanut butter, maple syrup, and protein powder.
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- If the oatmeal is too thick, stir in additional milk to reach your desired consistency. If it is too thin, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until it reaches your desired thickness.
Stovetop Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine oats, milk, 2 tbsp almond butter, and maple syrup.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 4 minutes.
- If the oatmeal is too thin after adding the protein powder, continue simmering until it reaches your desired thickness. If it is too thick, add more milk to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Transfer the cooked oatmeal to a serving bowl.
Assembly:
- Top with 1 tbsp peanut butter and sliced banana.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjusting Consistency: To thicken the oatmeal, continue cooking it until it reaches the desired consistency. To thin it, mix in additional milk as needed.
- Protein Powder Flavor: I used chocolate protein powder for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other protein powder flavors like vanilla and strawberry. For a chocolate taste with unflavored protein, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder alongside the protein powder.