Start your morning off on the right foot with a delicious dance of sweet fruit and salty nut butter.
After my morning run, I like to make protein oatmeal: a hearty dish that has all my favorite childhood flavors in one bowl. It’s 100% plant-based and keeps me full and energized for hours, so I can go from “workout” to “workday” with grace and ease. The best part of this recipe is that it’s totally adaptable; change the flavors according to your current cravings, and you’ll be amazed by how dynamic one bowl of oatmeal can get!
Whether you’re a busy college student or a parent seeking a healthier breakfast for your kiddos, this recipe is worth the while. It only takes 15 minutes to make, and you can easily teach others in your family how to whip it up if needed. Find your favorite protein powder, nut butter, and milk or yogurt and you’re all set! This oatmeal is creamy, dreamy, and super energizing. No need for added sugars or ultra-processed oats; this homemade meal is a game-changer.
Is Protein Oatmeal Healthy?
As a great post-workout replenisher, protein oatmeal is packed not just with protein, but tons of nutrients, including fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins. If you use banana, you’re also getting an extra dose of potassium and a bit of magnesium, but berries on their own are chock-full of flavonoids that can support brain and heart health. Pick your favorite fruit, and there’s bound to be some benefits there! With little to no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or gluten, this recipe shines bright and works well for a wide array of diets.
The Best Protein Powder Possibilities
My favorite store-bought protein powder is the plant-based vanilla version from Mother Earth Labs. Not only does it contain 22 grams of protein per scoop; it also has a wide range of digestive enzymes that can support gut health. This is especially helpful for vegetarians with sensitive stomachs (like me) who could use a balancing boost to their diet.
If you’d like to go the homemade route and get really creative, you can make your own plant-based protein powder from scratch. All you need is a high-power blender or food processor, and any mix of the following: oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds. There are various recipes out there for this kind of thing, and it’s especially helpful because you can ensure the quality of ingredients every step of the way.
How to make ahead and store
While this oatmeal is best enjoyed fresh, you can store it covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you’d like to freeze it, you can portion the oatmeal out into freezer-safe bags and store for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before heating on the stove at medium until it starts to simmer. You might want to add extra milk or yogurt to bring back some moisture and creaminess, plus a dash of salt to bring out the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
While you can enjoy this oatmeal with nearly any kind of fruit or nutty topping, I also recommend pairing it with a Berry-Spinach Smoothie to boost your berries and greens right off the bat. Protein oatmeal also makes a great addition to brunch buffets that include Breakfast Tacos, Baked Omelettes, Avocado Toast, and Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup whole milk or plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
- Fresh blueberries and sliced banana for garnish
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter melted
Instructions
- In a pot, combine oats, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, honey, and milk. Stir to mix.
- Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and oats are fluffy.
- Remove from heat and stir in protein powder. Adjust consistency and sweetness with additional milk or honey if needed.
- Top the oatmeal with fresh banana slices, blueberries, almonds, and a drizzle of melted nut butter.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment