As someone who prefers not to invest a lot of time into preparing food, I often struggle to create quick meals that are healthy, tasty, and filling. In college, I rediscovered my love for oatmeal as my favorite microwave breakfast. I found it boring to just eat alone, so I began to add fruit, such as strawberries, as well as cinnamon, to quench my sweet craving without the added sugar. Even with this delicious strawberry recipe, I felt my creation was lacking the protein that my body needed, especially after a workout. For the ideal satisfying carbohydrate and protein-packed meal, I added the final touch: chocolate protein powder. This recipe will take you back to the days of chocolate-covered strawberries, but will leave you feeling full, happy, and healthy.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Protein Oatmeal
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1
EASY
Ingredients
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup milk
1 cup strawberries
1 scoop chocolate protein powder (24g)
Sprinkle of cinnamon
STEP 1:
Wash, dry, and cut 1 cup of strawberries into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Add to bowl. Add even more strawberries if you are craving a stronger strawberry flavor!
STEP 2
Add 1/2 cup oats to bowl. My favorite are Trader Joe's Rolled Oats. They are gluten-free, packed with fiber, free of sodium, and taste awesome.
STEP 3
Add 1 scoop of protein powder into the bowl. I like to use Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey because I prefer the texture and flavor (Double Rich Chocolate flavor, of course). There are many other brands that sell chocolate protein powder.
#SpoonTip: You can substitute any flavor of protein powder for a taste bud blast. Once you have the recipe down, get creative and explore different flavors.
STEP 4
Add as much cinnamon as you'd like! Or none, if that's what you prefer.
STEP 5
Add 1/2 cup of milk to bowl. You may substitute water if you prefer.
STEP 6
Thoroughly mix all ingredients together for 1-2 minutes. Cut strawberries into smaller pieces if needed.
STEP 7
Microwave for 1 minute. Be sure to use a bowl that is microwave safe and leaves extra room for the ingredients to rise and fall as they heat up. Depending on the settings of your microwave, you may need to microwave for additional time as necessary.
#SpoonTip: It helps to use a larger size bowl for microwaving to prevent your ingredients from spilling over to the top. You wouldn't want to be stuck cleaning the microwave when you are about to head out for class or work!
STEP 8
Cut up more strawberries and add the strawberry slices on top.
This chocolate-covered strawberry protein oatmeal can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. Microwave it in a tupperware bowl that is microwave-safe with a lid so you can take it wherever you go. Before a workout, on your way to class, during work, before bed...you can enjoy this anytime. All you need besides the ingredients is a microwave, so it is very manageable to make in a college dorm room or in a shared kitchen. Take your healthy strawberry recipe on the go for a carbohydrate and protein-packed meal that reminds you of the sweet treats, without the added sugar.