Turmeric Protein Pumpkin Oats, My at LEAST Once a Week Obsession, Favorite Meal of the Day!

How often have you heard breakfast is the most important meal of the day? But is it?

We’ve heard time and time again, at least I have, that breakfast is absolutely crucial if you want to maintain a healthy weight. However, you’ve probably also heard about intermittent fasting. Some delay that first meal of the day by an hour or two, others much longer.

Personally, as much as I love Intermittent fasting, I can confidently say, I love breakfast?. It’s probably my most favorite meal of the day and although most often I delay it to at least 11:00 am, I rarely skip it!

After all, the options are endless — smoothies, smoothie bowls, pancakes, sourdough english muffins, porridge, cinnamon rolls, muffins, scones, and of course, oatmeal.

I can remember back in my college days our dining hall served a large buffet of yummy breakfast items till 11:00 am. I made sure never to miss it. It was only about a 5 minute walk from the gym so after my run and workout, I would hike on over and grab a few of my favorites, which most often included oatmeal. I loved topping my oats with something crunchy even back than…most often grape nut cereal or their homemade granola.

This was before my Shaklee & smoothie days, but I still love oatmeal. It’s the meal I’ve been eating for years that’s inexpensive, offers a number of mind-blowing health benefits, and is incredibly delicious if you know how to make it right.

Just like smoothie bowls, if you prepare your oats right, you’ll wonder why you don’t eat them more often. They’ve become my new favorite meal after my long run Fridays, especially chilly snowy ones??‍♀️.

Here’s why:

• They keep you more satisfied longer than any sugar cereal will
• Oats will fuel you for hours
• They are a healthy carb and loaded with fiber
• Rich in vitamins and minerals such as Magnesium, Thiamine, Zinc, & Phosphorus

And speaking from personal experience, after I started incorporating a lot more natural, plant-based foods into my own diet, I noticed an increase in my energy level, my work productivity, and my ability to think clearly.

So now to make oats the RIGHT way?

1. Don’t water it down too much. I personally like my oatmeal thick, like my smoothie bowls, where my spoon always floats!. In my oats, it stands straight up?. However, you have to find the texture you enjoy. You can always add more water, so start with a little bit and add more until you get the consistency you desire.
2. I cook mine in unsweetened almond milk, a pinch of sea salt, and flax meal. They turn out perfect every time, thick and creamy, just the way I like them!
3. Add toppings. The toppings are everything. They will turn any smoothie bowl or boring flavorless bowl of oats into a masterpiece of a meal! My go to is fresh fruit and nut butter, but I too jumped on the pumpkin everything nice train. This is so yummy! You need to try it out if you’re a pumpkin fan.
4. Don’t be afraid to switch things up. Try them savory, with not so common oatmeal spices like turmeric or fresh herbs, and this savory bowl is to die for! Breakfast for lunch or dinner anyone?

So if you’re not consuming oatmeal at least weekly, I encourage you to give it a try. There are truly thousands of concoctions! Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with flavors. Even consuming it once a week will provide your body with a healthy source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.

I sometimes add a handful of oats to my smoothies too…this is one of my faves?! If you make any of the above, don’t forget to tag me @avocadorunners. Much appreciated!

TURMERIC PUMPKIN PROTEIN OATMEAL

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of non dairy milk unsweetened
• 1/2 cup sprouted oats, one degree, or soaked oats
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Dash of ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, *or less depending on tastebuds
• pinch of fresh ground pepper
• 1/3 cup pumpkin purée
• Splash vanilla
• 1 serving of your favorite protein

*(I personally love the taste of Turmeric but feel free to use less. Honestly the taste is easily masked with the toppings and yummy flavors?!)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Boil milk, add your oats, spices, vanilla, and pumpkin purée.
2. Cook until thick or desired consistency.
3. Immediately add one scoop of your favorite protein. Stir.
4. Top as desired: I used unsweetened coconut flakes, banana slices, nut butter, and a few sprouted nuts

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How do take your oats?

How often do you enjoy oats?

What is your favorite meal of the day?

Have you tried adding oats to your morning smoothies or bowls?