Ok, actually I have two.
One is a pre-packaged thing, which I don’t usually do, but we all have our moments when we’re rushed, overtired, or just plain old lazy.
If you follow me on IG and watch my stories, you may have noticed that outside of my meals at restaurants, I tend to eat pretty “clean.” Vegetables, fruits, grains, meat, real cheese (but in small doses), you get the idea.
Anyway, Kodiak Cakes is a brand that I discovered from one of those fitness influencer types (don’t remember who, I’m sorry) and I kinda love their stuff. I always keep their protein waffles (blueberry or chocolate) stocked in my freezer, so that’s the thing that takes even less than 5 mins. Pop them in the toaster, top with fruit (and occasionally a little Greek yogurt for even more protein), sugar free Lakanto Maple Syrup and boom, done.
I also love their Buttermilk & Maple Flapjack Power Cups with 10g of protein, but those have a fair amount of sugar (14g), which I usually stay away from, so I don’t have them often. But as a quick treat every now and again, I like it. Also takes almost no time to prep and make. Add 1/4 cup of water or milk (in my case, oat milk), stir, microwave for 60 seconds and you’ve got a fluffy souffle-ish pancake thing in a cup. I also top this with fresh fruit for #health, but either way, a delight.
Now for the other thing I make that takes 5 mins or less…drumroll…it’s super exciting. It’s oatmeal with protein powder and fruit. I know! Aren’t you glad you came here to read this?
Listen. It’s easy, it’s filling, and it’s got extra protein. This is all I’m looking for in my old age. There are a few tips I can give you:
Always use real oats, not the quick-cooking kind. See below on a few reasons why:
- Better Texture and Flavor: Old-fashioned and steel-cut oats offer a chewier, heartier texture and a nutty, rich flavor, unlike quick oats, which can turn mushy and bland when cooked.
- Higher Nutrient Retention: Real oats retain more fiber, vitamins, and minerals because they undergo less processing than quick-cooking oats. This keeps their nutritional value intact.
- Lower Glycemic Index: Steel-cut and old-fashioned oats take longer to digest, helping to prevent blood sugar spikes and keeping you fuller for longer, making them a healthier breakfast choice.
- Fewer Additives and Preservatives: Unlike many pre-packaged quick oats that may contain added sugars, salt, or preservatives, real oats are usually just 100% whole grain.
- Versatility in Recipes: Old-fashioned and steel-cut oats hold their shape better, making them ideal not just for oatmeal but for baking, overnight oats, granola, and savory dishes like oat risottos.
- Less Processed, More Whole Grain Benefits: Quick oats are steamed and rolled thinner to reduce cooking time, but this processing strips away some of the texture, taste, and health benefits found in minimally processed oats.
If you prefer the overnight oats route, I have quite a few Overnight Oat recipes, just click here!
As for the protein powder, use whatever brand or flavor you like, but I use vanilla usually and add 1 tbsp of Lakanto Maple Syrup which usually ends up tasting sort of like pancake batter. YUM. The chocolate Orgain protein powder is really good, as is Truvani.
One more tip: add the protein powder in a little at a time and stir well before adding in more – it tends to be less clumpy this way. And if you find that it makes your oatmeal too thick, just add some more liquid! Hot water usually does the trick for me.
