Protein Packed Apple Oats

If you're anything like me, then you're not a big morning eater. Its nothing against breakfast foods; I will almost never say no to a pancake or eggs cooked over-medium, but I'm just more of a 'coffee only for the first several hours of the day' kind of person. Sometimes these morning fasts last until 11 or even noon, which can be tough when you consider all the training and morning runs that I do. So when I do get around filling the tank (aka my belly) with fuel I need something hearty, with substance, and plenty of nutrition.

Oatmeal has become my saving grace that checks all the boxes, and it's one of those foods that completely customizable to whatever mood you're in that day. Sometimes I'm feeling bananas, other times I get little crazy with the nut butter, but the star of this recipe is as classic as apple pie...or apple oats in this case.

This recipe is so simple to throw together, that you could easily teach your kids how to make it and give yourself a little more YOU time in the morning ( disclaimer: this advice coming from someone whose only kids are furry and have no opposable thumbs). It can either be made stovetop or with the modern miracle that is the microwave for all those little pyros out there.

This recipe can easily be adjusted to your nutrition and macro needs. Feel free to leave out the raisins to cut out some of the carbs or add in a tablespoon of chia seeds for even more protein. If you are using a sweetened or flavored protein powder, you can most likely leave out the tablespoon of honey.

A quick shout out to my brand collaboration with EarthChimp Vegan Protein Mix on this recipe. I have been absolutely loving this protein brand because not only are they vegan but they are one of the very few brands of vegan protein that doesn't leave a funky aftertaste or have a gritty texture. I prefer to use the plain and unsweetened because it offers more versatility when I'm creating different recipes and they are small batch made!!

**makes 2 servings**

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dry oats ( I prefer the organic quick oats)

• 1 cup coconut milk (or any milk of choice)

• 1 serving of your protein mix

• 1/2 cup chopped apples

• 1/4 cup raisins

• 1 tsp. cinnamon

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tbsp. honey (optional)

The How -To:

1. In a saucepan, over medium heat, add in your oats and milk of choice.

2. Add in your vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt. Stir to make sure everything is well combined.

3. Add in your protein powder and mix thoroughly to make sure that there are no clumps.

4. Once your mixture starts to thicken reduce the heat to low and add in your apples and raisins and honey if you chose to include it.

5. Remove from heat and top off with the chopped pecans.

6. Easy as 1-2-3 and Enjoy!!

See?! Wasn't that simple?

Happy Eats!!

Nutritional Facts:

per serving

• Calories: 358

• Fat: 11.5g

• Carbs: 50.1g

• Protein: 15.1g