Nutrition: How to Pump up Your Oatmeal

I'm a huge believer that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If I don't eat a huge protein packed meal in the morning I'm hungry within the hour. It keeps me moving and ready to tackle whatever challenges I have to face that day. 

I've recently been adding a ton of protein and healthy fats to my oatmeal and it's made a huge difference. I'm full for way longer and feel more energized and complete. There are so many flavor combinations you can try to keep it interesting. I have been sticking to my normal mixture lately, but it's fun to mix it up every once in a while. 

What you'll need:

1/2 cup oats (I used the gluten-free kind from Trader Joe's)

1/2 cup water 

1/2 cup milk of your choice (I used almond milk)

1 heaping tablespoon of peanut butter or any nut butter of your choice

1 teaspoon flax seeds 

1 teaspoon chia seeds 

1 scoop protein powder (I used vanilla egg white protein)

Any other mix ins you'd like such as bananas, nuts, berries, raisins, etc. 

What to do:

Combine the 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup milk in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 2-2 1/2 minutes 

Stir mixture to combine and let sit for a minute 

Add your peanut butter, flax seeds, chia seeds, protein powder and any other fruits or nuts and stir to combine 

Enjoy!

This breakfast has been such a staple for me over these chilly winter months. I look forward to it every morning and love how great I feel after! 

Do you have any breakfast meals you love to eat that keep you full throughout the morning? Share in the comments below!

Make Breakfast More Interesting

I love oatmeal. It’s easy to make and it’s a quick breakfast. It’s got lots of health benefits too—it can lower cholesterol, has antioxidants, is high in fiber, can ward off certain diseases and much more.  

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But, sometimes it does get boring. Here are a few ways to spice up your oatmeal without adding a ton of calories:

1. Take a cue from a classic sandwich and stir in a dollop of peanut butter and jam.
2. Pick a fruit, any fruit. Bananas, apples, blueberries or strawberries are all great choices. If you have a little extra time, you could cook bananas or apples to caramelize them and add extra sweetness.
3. No time for fresh fruit? Pick a dried fruit (or combine a few) like prunes, raisins, cranberries, apricots or berries.
4. Stir in some vanilla or almond extract.
5. Are you a chocolate lover? Sprinkle some chocolate shavings over the top.
6. There are a bunch of varieties of granola out there. Pick one and stir it in.
7. Add a dash of cinnamon.
8. Stir in a small amount of Nutella.
9. Mix in shaved coconut.
10. Sprinkle brown sugar over the top.
11. Drizzle maple syrup or honey on top.
12. Add almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews or any other kind of nut.

What other ways do you spice up an otherwise plain breakfast?