OATMEAL! num, num, num...

Yes, I used to think oatmeal was boring. I don't think I ever remember really enjoying oatmeal anytime before the age of 24. People would try to spice it up with weird things like apple chunks and raisins, and if you're a texture person like me, you'll understand how much worse that made it. The only way I was able to swallow the dry, pasty, flavorless stuff was by pouring maple syrup all over it, usually multiple times during the eating process.

Why didn't anyone ever tell me?! It doesn't have to be like this! Oatmeal is an amazing thing that you can make to your own taste preference - soupy, thick, creamy, chunky, wet, dry, sweet, salty, ANYTHING! You just have to find the flavors that work for you. My oh my, did I find some. Many of you already know that I have an obsession with peanut butter, so maybe you should take these recipes with a grain of salt...or an extra scoop of peanut butter.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal
1 c. multigrain oats
1 banana, mashed
1 c. unsweetened almond milk
2 rounded tsp. cocoa powder
4 tbsp. powdered peanut butter (or substitute regular peanut butter and reduce almond milk a little)
6 drops liquid stevia (or 1.5 packets dry stevia)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Optional:
1 tbsp. vegan chocolate chips
1 tbsp. peanuts

Mix oats, banana, almond milk, and liquid stevia in a pan over medium heat. When heated thoroughly and bubbling begins, add cocoa powder, peanut butter, and cinnamon. Stir until oatmeal reaches desired consistency. Optional: top with chocolate chips and peanuts. Enjoy!

Makes 2 servings.

Nutrition facts (with add-ins):
370 calories
13 grams protein

Peanut Butter & Jelly Oatmeal
1/2 c. multigrain oats
2 tbsp. powdered peanut butter
1/2-3/4 c. frozen strawberries
2 tsp. chia seeds
2 tbsp. unsweetened almond milk
4 drops liquid stevia

Combine frozen strawberries with 1/4 c. water and microwave for 2 minutes or until soft. Add chia seeds and liquid stevia, and mash. Place in freezer immediately. Combine oats with water as directed and microwave until oats have desired consistency. Meanwhile, combine peanut butter powder and almond milk to make peanut butter - add as much almond milk as needed to reach desired consistency. After 3-5 minutes, remove strawberries from freezer and stir. It should have a somewhat gel-like substance, although not as firm as jam. Top oatmeal with peanut butter and jelly. Enjoy!

Makes 1 serving.

Nutrition facts:
245 calories
11 grams protein

ummmm.....YUM.

Don't give oatmeal a bad rap. Power meals can be delicious. This is my perfect pre-workout meal - I'm off to hit the gym for another LEGS DAY - my favorite!

Cheers (to oatmeal),
Avocado Athlete

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