Chocolate Cherry Protein Oatmeal

 

I love having a big bowl of oatmeal in the morning for breakfast, but I also go to the gym early in the morning beforehand. Instead of having a big protein shake to refuel after my morning workouts, I like to combine my protein powder with my oats to make this chocolate protein oatmeal! The oats get super thick and creamy in the microwave and come out like gooey chocolate cake. If you don't have cherry jam or jelly then you can substitute with strawberry or raspberry and it will be equally tasty. If you make this during summer cherry season then definitely add some pitted fresh cherries as well! 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup oat bran - You can use quick oats or rolled oats but I prefer the texture of oat bran, plus it is super high in fibre

1 scoop chocolate protein powder of your choice 

1 cup + 2 Tbsp. water or milk of your choice

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

1 Tbsp. dark chocolate peanut butter, Nutella, or regular peanut butter

1-2 Tbsp. cherry jam or jelly
*Note: Depending on how sweet your protein powder is and how sweet you like your foods, you may want to add in sugar or a sweetener of your choice to the oatmeal. 

The magic ingredients!

Directions:

In a small serving bowl, combine the oat bran, protein powder, water, and vanilla. Stir to combine until there are no large clumps of protein powder left.

Microwave for 60-90 seconds, until most of the water is absorbed. Stir to combine and thicken up the oat bran. It will get thicker the longer it sits.

Top with the chocolate peanut butter and cherry jam/jelly (or some pitted, fresh cherries if they are available)  and enjoy.

*Recipe by Brooke McMillan