4 PROTEIN-PACKED OATMEAL RECIPES

Cold fronts are in the forecast, so start your morning with something warm! Take that bowl of oats to the next level with these four recipes.

You've probably heard about the importance of eating your morning bowl of oatmeal. In addition to helping lower the harmful form of cholesterol, the fiber helps with weight loss, and the carbs give you an energy boost while keeping hunger at bay.

Yet aside from the health-boosting benefits, a warm bowl of freshly cooked oats can be a delicious and comforting start to your day. Oatmeal is also relatively neutral in taste, making it a great base on which to play around with toppings and flavors. I personally enjoyed creating—and then eating—every one of these recipes!

I don't know which of these concoctions delivers the most intense punch of "nommage," but they were all delicious. I loved the decadent, cheat-meal feel of the protein with chopped-up peanut butter cups; the creaminess and tang of the orange and vanilla oats; the earthy, satisfying taste of the date, almond, and maple mix; and the flavor punch of the chili-chocolate mixture.

I'm torn to pick a favorite, but I bet you'll have one. Test out these recipes and see which one most tickles your fancy. 

Once you spot your fave, you'll end up making it over and over again. Enjoy these pre-workout, post-workout, or as a weekly protein treat.

Give them all a spin and report back!

1

 ORANGE AND VANILLA PROTEIN OATMEAL

Take the classic combination of vanilla sweetness and citrus tartness to a new level with this fruit-inspired concoction. Don't let your taste buds be confined by the time of day either. A bowl of this delicious blend can be enjoyed for dessert or as a pre- or post-workout meal. The orange zest complements the vanilla beautifully, and a vanilla version of this protein ice cream adds creaminess. Sprinkle on some cinnamon for extra decadence.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup oats (gluten-free or regular)
• 1/2 cup coconut or almond milk
• 1/4 cup vanilla whey protein powder
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 scoop vanilla protein ice cream

Directions

1. In a nonstick pot, bring your milk and oats to a boil. Allow it to simmer for 3-5 minutes until you get a thick and "porridgy" consistency.
2. Remove oatmeal from the heat and let it cool before adding the rest of the ingredients. Add the whey after you cook the oats, or it will curdle.
3. If you like your oatmeal thicker, add a bit less milk. If you like your oats runnier, add a bit more milk.
4. For a dessert-like treat, top with your favorite protein ice cream. You can use either a store-bought one, or make your own version.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size (1 serving)Recipe yields 1 serving

Amount per serving

Calories 443

Total Fat11 g

Total Carbs34 g

Protein52 g

2

 DATE, ALMOND, AND MAPLE PROTEIN OATMEAL

When you're short on time but still want a nutritious breakfast, reach for this recipe. This bowl of oatmeal is the perfect substitute for a hot stack of protein pancakes. It's also perfect when you wake up on a cold morning and want something warm to kick off the day.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup oats (gluten-free or regular)
• 1/4 cup vanilla whey protein powder
• 1/2 cup coconut or almond milk
• 1/4 cup ground almonds
• 1/4 cup chopped dates
• 1 tsp maple extract (optional but lovely!)

Directions

1. In a nonstick pot, bring your milk, oats, and ground almonds to a boil. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until you get a thick and "porridgy" consistency.
2. Remove the oatmeal from the heat and let it cool a bit before topping the whole thing with chopped dates and the maple syrup.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size (1 bowl)Recipe yields 2 servings

Amount per serving

Calories 317

Total Fat17 g

Total Carbs23 g

Protein19 g

3

 PEANUT BUTTER CUP PROTEIN OATMEAL

If this isn't the definition of protein wizardry, I don't know what is. Just watching the way the peanut butter cup melts against the hot oatmeal is enough to drive me absolutely crazy with desire! I dare you to make this and not fall head over heels in love—or rather, lust.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup oats
• 1/4 cup vanilla whey protein powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 chopped peanut butter cup

Directions

1. In a nonstick pot, bring your milk and oats to a boil. Then simmer for 3-5 minutes until you get a thick and "porridgy" consistency.
2. Remove the oatmeal from the heat and let it cool a bit before mixing in your whey.
3. Chop up a homemade peanut butter protein cup and throw that into your oats. The chocolate around it will start to melt and you'll be left with an absolutely gorgeous peanut butter punch of POW! 

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size (1 bowl)Recipe yields 2 servings

Amount per serving

Calories 210

Total Fat9 g

Total Carbs15 g

Protein18 g

4

 CHILI-CHOCOLATE PROTEIN OATMEAL

Have you ever ordered an ice-cream-topped hot cookie at a restaurant? I have. This bowl of protein oatmeal reminded me of it—something about the combination of cocoa, cinnamon, and protein ice cream. This recipe offers an interesting twist on the original, with a hint of chili that seems innocent enough at first but—BAM!—takes over your palette. It's the perfect bowl of oatmeal for those of you who, like me, are serious about chocolate and spice!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup oats
• 1/4 cup whey protein powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbsp cocoa
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 scoop vanilla protein ice cream (optional but gorgeous!)
• 1 tbsp calorie-free chocolate syrup (or a melted square of dark chocolate)

Directions

1. In a nonstick pot, bring your milk and oats to a boil, then simmer for 3-5 minutes until you get a thick and "porridgy" consistency.
2. Remove the oatmeal from the heat and let it cool a bit before adding the rest of the ingredients. Make sure you taste your oatmeal to adapt its level of spice, and the depth of its chocolateyness!
3. Add a scoop of protein ice cream on top and some chocolate sauce. This is totally optional but nice if you want to make more of a protein dessert!

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size (1 bowl (without optional ice cream))Recipe yields 1 seving

Amount per serving

Calories 325

Total Fat10 g

Total Carbs27 g

Protein30 g