Rich Almond Butter Overnight Oatmeal with a Fresh Strawberry Kick
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One of my best gestational diabetes breakfast recipe—Almond Butter Overnight Oatmeal with Fresh Strawberries is the perfect solution, especially (if you are like me) when you’re busy with two little ones running around!
No time in the morning? No problem. Prep this in 5 minutes, and you’ll wake up to breakfast that’s ready and waiting.
Need a quick and easy gestational diabetes breakfast recipe that’s ready when you are?
This oat recipe for gestational diabetes is my personal favorite—it’s simple to prep the night before, and in the morning, you’ve got a creamy, protein-packed bowl that keeps your blood sugar steady.
With fiber, healthy fats, and a touch of sweetness from fresh strawberries, it’s a sugar-friendly gestational diabetes breakfast recipe that’s both nourishing and delicious. Just grab it from the fridge and enjoy!
You may be interested: 25 Easy Breakfast Recipes for Gestational Diabetes
Is This Oat Recipe GDM-Friendly?
Yes of course!
The healthy ingredients work together perfectly to create a balanced, blood sugar-friendly overnight oatmeal recipe for gestational diabetes:
- Rolled oats: (GI = 57) serve as a great base for the oatmeal, being high in soluble fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full.
- Almond butter: (GI = 15) adds a rich, creamy texture while providing healthy fats and protein to stabilize blood sugar and promote satiety.
- Protein powder: Boosts protein content and support baby growth.
- Chia seeds: (GI = 30) contribute a subtle nutty flavor and help thicken the oatmeal, being high in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, which slow digestion and improve gut health.
- Unsweetened almond milk: (GI = 25) Low in carbs, adding creaminess without extra sugar.
- Fresh strawberries (on the side): (GI = 41) provide a naturally sweet and slightly tangy burst, being low in sugar and high in fiber and antioxidants, which help improve heart health and stabilize blood sugar.
A healthy, balanced breakfast that basically makes itself—what could be better?
Learn more: List of Glycemic Index of Over 650 Foods
Practical Hacks to Reduce Sugar Spike
How Can You Make Oatmeal Without Spiking Blood Sugar?
- Watch portions: Stick to 1/3 cup of oats to keep carb intake controlled in this gestational diabetes breakfast recipe.
- Add protein: Include protein powder, almond butter, or chia seeds to help slow down carb absorption.
- Incorporate healthy fats: Add nut butters or chia seeds to balance your meal and prevent blood sugar spikes.
- Choose rolled oats: Opt for rolled or steel-cut oats for slower digestion compared to instant oats.
- Limit fruit: Use only 1/2 cup of low-GI fruits like berries to keep carbs under control in this gestational diabetes breakfast recipe.
- Avoid added sugar: Skip honey, maple syrup, and sugary toppings—use spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract for flavor.
- Pre-load with veggies or protein: Eating a small portion of protein or fiber-rich veggies before the oatmeal can help reduce post-meal spikes (by up to 30%).
- Eat smaller, frequent meals: Instead of a large meal, have smaller, balanced portions throughout the day.
- Take a light 30-minute walk: Walking after meals can help lower blood sugar levels (by up to 20%) and improve glucose management.
Caution: Even though these ingredients are low in GI, large portions can still cause a spike.
I once added in 1 cup of strawberries and saw my blood sugar rise above 140—what a mistake!
Stick to the recommended portions in this overnight oatmeal recipe for gestational diabetes to stay within the 30-45g carb range and keep your levels stable.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: 1/3 cup (30g)
- Almond butter: 1 tablespoon (16g)
- Protein powder (vanilla, unsweetened): 1 scoop (25g)
- Chia seeds: 1 tablespoon (12g)
- Unsweetened almond milk: 3/4 cup (180ml)
- Fresh strawberries: 1/2 cup, sliced (75g)
Instructions
This recipe’s all about keeping things easy, nutritious, and seriously delicious.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl or jar, add 1/3 cup rolled oats, 1 scoop protein powder, and 1 tablespoon chia seeds. Stir to evenly combine the dry ingredients.
2. Add wet ingredients: Pour in 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk and 1 tablespoon almond butter. Stir thoroughly, ensuring the almond butter is well distributed throughout the oats mixture.
3. Refrigerate the oats: Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator overnight (or at least 6-8 hours) to allow the oats to soften and absorb the liquid.
4. Stir and top with strawberries: In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Slice 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries and top them on the oatmeal before serving.
5. Serve and enjoy: Enjoy your creamy, protein-packed oatmeal straight from the fridge.
How to Add Flavor to Oatmeal Without Sugar?
- If you prefer a looser texture, add a splash more almond milk before serving.
- Keep the strawberries on the side until serving to keep them fresh and prevent the oats from getting too mushy.
- If you like extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top of this gestational diabetes breakfast recipe in the morning.
- Add a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor without added sugar.
- Use a mason jar for easy grab-and-go breakfast.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a few drops of liquid stevia or a small amount of monk fruit sweetener.
- Substitute the strawberries with other low-GI fruits like raspberries or blueberries if you want to change up the flavor.
- For a warmer version, microwave for 30-60 seconds before adding strawberries.
Variations
Prefer a different flavor? You can try these topping variations for your gestational diabetes breakfast recipes:
- Chocolate Almond Butter Oats: Add 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
- Peanut Butter Version: Swap almond butter with natural peanut butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Coconut Almond Oats: Add 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Berry Mix: Replace strawberries with a mix of raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
- Spiced Oats: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced version.
- Greek Yogurt Boost: Stir in 1/4 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt in the morning for extra creaminess and protein.
All these variations are still within the 30-45g carb range (just in case you are wondering).
You may be interested: 25 Easy Breakfast Recipes for Gestational Diabetes
Additional Topping Ideas
Prefer a different topping? You can try these topping variations for your gestational diabetes breakfast recipes:
- Chopped nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch and healthy fats.
- Seeds: Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra texture and nutrients.
- Nut butter drizzle: A small drizzle of almond butter or peanut butter for added flavor.
- Unsweetened cocoa nibs: For a chocolatey crunch without added sugar.
- Coconut flakes: Unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
- Cinnamon or nutmeg: Sprinkled on top for added warmth and flavor.
- Unsweetened yogurt: A dollop of Greek or regular yogurt for extra creaminess and protein.
- Lemon zest: A sprinkle for a bright, fresh flavor that pairs well with berries.
Frequently-Asked Questions
What Not to Mix with Oatmeal?
Here are some ingredients to avoid mixing in this overnight oatmeal recipe for gestational diabetes:
- Dried or High-sugar fruits: Fruits like bananas, mangoes, and grapes can significantly increase the sugar content.
- Sweeteners: Avoid honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar, as they can spike blood sugar levels.
- Instant oats: These often have added sugars and can digest too quickly, leading to rapid increases in blood sugar.
- Full-fat dairy: Whole milk or cream can add unnecessary fats and calories without beneficial nutrients.
- Sugary yogurt: Flavored or sweetened yogurts can contain high amounts of added sugars.
- Chocolate or candy toppings: These can contribute excessive sugars and fats that are not suitable for blood sugar management.
- Granola with added sugars: Many store-bought granolas are high in sugar, making them less ideal for GDM.
Are Quaker Oats Good for Diabetes?
Oh yes. In fact I take Quaker Oats almost every morning!
Just be sure to choose old-fashioned rolled oats instead of instant or quick oats for better texture and a lower glycemic index, which helps manage blood sugar more effectively for gestational diabetes.
Storage Instructions
As a busy mum, I always batch prep my oatmeal. Here’s how you can do it:
- Refrigeration:
- Store the almond butter overnight oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and flavors while keeping the mixture fresh.
- Freezing:
- While it’s not recommended to freeze the oatmeal with fresh fruit, you can freeze the base (oats, almond butter, protein powder, chia seeds, and almond milk) without the fruit.
- Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store it for up to 2 months. Then I usually thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding fresh toppings and serving.
- Reheating:
- If you prefer warm oatmeal, reheat the portion in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, adding a splash of almond milk if needed to restore creaminess.
- Aim for a temperature of around 165°F (74°C).
Rich Almond Butter Overnight Oatmeal with a Fresh Strawberry Kick
Simply prep it the night before, and it’s ready to enjoy chilled for busy mornings. Delicious and nutritious, it’s a balanced gestational diabetes breakfast recipe that keeps you full and supports stable blood sugar levels.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla, unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl or jar, add 1/3 cup rolled oats, 1 scoop protein powder, and 1 tablespoon chia seeds. Stir to evenly combine the dry ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk and 1 tablespoon almond butter. Stir thoroughly, ensuring the almond butter is well distributed throughout the oats mixture.
- Refrigerate the oats: Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator overnight (or at least 6-8 hours) to allow the oats to soften and absorb the liquid.
- Stir and top with strawberries: In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Slice 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries and top them on the oatmeal before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Enjoy your creamy, protein-packed oatmeal straight from the fridge.
Nutrition Information
Yield 1 Serving Size 1 servingAmount Per Serving Calories 405 kcalTotal Fat 18gCarbohydrates 37gFiber 10gProtein 25g
