Happy National Peanut Butter Day!
If I had to choose only one favorite food combination, I think it would have to be chocolate and peanut butter. Although I could be (and often am) very happy eating the combination off of a spoon, I also enjoy incorporating it into simple and nutritious recipes. I believe that the key to a nourishing meal with sustanence is incorporating a balanced amount of each macronutrient (carbs, protein, and healthy fats). When it comes to breakfast, protein oatmeal is the perfect easy meal to whip up to fuel a long day at work, replenish after a yoga, or just cozy up with on the couch.
Here’s what makes this cozy meal so protein-rich:
Peanut butter- My love. I often use chocolate peanut butter in this recipe, but regular is just as delicious. Even just a small amount delivers protein, heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidant vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B6.
Protein powder- Chocolate, vanilla, or plain work best here!
Hemp seeds– As an easily digestible source of protein, they are packed with all of the essential amino acids, iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids.
Oats- Even without the addition of the other protein-rich foods, oats themselves contain about 5 grams of protein in every 1/2 cup. They also provide an abundance of other nutrients such as fiber and phytonutrients that have been shown to have multiple health benefits, including cholesterol-lowering properties.
What really makes this recipe stand out is the flavor. As far as I’m concerned, this meal is the definition of dessert for breakfast, so I hope that you try it out for yourself and enjoy!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Protein Oatmeal
Ingredients
Oats:
- 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk or water
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats may be gluten-free
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 scoop protein powder chocolate, vanilla, or plain
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed optional
Toppings:
- 2 tbsp chocolate peanut butter or other nut/seed butter
- Sliced banana
- A sprinkle of hemp seeds
- A sprinkle of chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Instructions
- Heat milk/water, oats, and salt in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and almost all of the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup, protein powder, and flaxseed.
- Pour oatmeal into serving bowls and top with peanut butter, banana, and any other toppings that you love. Enjoy!
