Creamy Warm Steel Cut Oats with Optional Toppings, Fun 1.2.3. Run and Running Update

As much as I love smoothies, this warming steel cut oats recipe is just what you need for breakfasts during the winter season. Mix in your fav fruit + nut butter combo for an easy breakfast.

Most mornings after my runs and strength work I enjoy a delicious green smoothie because not only are they are quick & delicious, but they’re also loaded with good for you protein, healthy fats, and veggies.

Fridays are my favorite days of the week for running because I love my longer runs. When you’re out in the cold for almost two hours, a cold smoothie just doesn’t cut it.

I want warm + filling breakfast option so I whip up my creamy steel cut oats. What I also love about this recipe is you can make a large batch and refrigerate for a weeks’ worth of breakfasts. I’m excited to share it with you and also how you can jazz it up a few different ways.

Just like my loaded smoothies, steel cut oats will give me give me protein, healthy fats and filling carbs to keep me satisfied and most importantly nourish me after a long run. Speaking of running…my back is better 🥰. Towards the end of October I tweaked my back lifting a heavy bucket of water and obviously twisting the wrong way? Since then I have been walking more, biking at the gym, and once in awhile hopping on the elliptical. A couple days a week I would try a walk, jog, run but immediately back off it was too uncomfortable.

This week I did a really fun workout from Fitness Protection Program. It felt so good to run fast, faster, and faster yet after mostly easy runs with walking intervals. After a slow warm-up, I went into the workout slowly increasing my speed each 1.2.3. count. While counting I ran fast, then faster yet, until I didn’t want to anymore. Recovery was a slow 2 minute jog. Repeat for about 20 minutes. Below you will see two graphs…..one showing my increase in pace and other power. It was really fun! I celebrated by running a few backward drills!

So after lots of TLC…massage, acupuncture, and nerve injections, I am finally feeling better. This was definitley new territory for me and I am very thankful it wasn’t serious.

Just like most other runners, when it happened I kind of freaked out. I can’t wait to run long again on Friday and make these oats👍.

How To Make Steel Cut Oats

Since I prefer my oats warm not refrigerated like ONO, these are AMAZING stove top oats

1. In a saucepan, bring water/milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add oats to water/milk then reduce the heat to medium-low, adjusting as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is very thick.
3. Stir in sea salt, splash vanilla, flax, cinnamon and collagen or protein powder. Continue to simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally and reducing the heat as necessary to prevent scorching the bottom, until all the liquid is absorbed. This takes about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir to mix in the watery top layer. Let the oatmeal rest for 5 minutes before serving so it can thicken further & cool down a bit.
5. Portion the oatmeal into bowls and add granola + fruit + nut butter and optional maple syrup to portions as desired. Let the extra oatmeal cool completely before covering and refrigerating for future breakfasts.

The simmer times may vary depending on the thickness of the pan you use + what kind of stove top you have. You can also add dried fruit to your oats like dates or raisins. If you prefer your oats less sweet, omit the maple syrup. I actually don’t add any to mine but my husband loves it. Feel free to use honey or other sweetener.

ALTERNATIVE ADD-INS

Personally I think steel cut oats are fairly bland on their own but perfect for topping in a variety of ways. Here are a few ways I like to serve this simple breakfast:

• Diced caramelized bananas + almond butter + granola
• Peanut butter + dark chocolate chips
• Dried blueberries + honey + sliced almonds
• Diced apples + walnuts + cashew butter

What do you like adding to your oatmeal? Leave a comment and share!

Steel Cut Oats Most Asked Questions

Should you soak your steel cut oats?

Before I discovered One Degree Sprouted Oats, I did soak my oats before cooking. If you soak your oats the night before cooking, you will cut down on the cook time by 10-15 minutes. If however you are purchasing sprouted oats, this isn’t a necessary step.

Are steel cut or rolled oats healthier for you?

Steel cut oats have slightly more protein, slightly more fat, and slightly less sugar than other types of oats but I use rolled oats as well. They’re both really good for you so eat to your hearts content!

CREAMY WARM STEEL CUT OATS

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup steel cut oats
• 1 cup non-dairy milk
• 1 cups water
• 1/8 tsp sea salt
• 1 tablespoon coconut cream
• 1 tablespoon flax meal – optional
• 1 serving Collagen9 or Protein Powder – optional
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup – optional

DIRECTIONS:

1. Simmer water/milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add oats to simmering water. Reduce heat to medium-low, adjusting as necessary to keep a gentle simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is very thick.
3. Stir in salt, vanilla, cinnamon, flax, and protein powder. Continue to simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally and reducing heat as necessary to prevent bottom scorching until almost all the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir once more to thoroughly mix. Let oatmeal rest for 5 minutes before serving.
5. Portion oatmeal into bowls, add optional toppings. I love granola, fresh berries, almond butter, and a little dark chocolate

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Favorite oat combo?

Do you prefer steel cut or regular rolled oats?

What day of the week do do your longer run if you do one at all?

Have you tried adding protein or collagen to your oats?