There’s nothing like a warm breakfast on a cold winter morning. For me, comforting carbs with an optional boost of protein and natural sweeteners hit the spot every time.

Hot cooked oats with high-fiber flax, sweet cinnamon and maple syrup combine for a hearty and energy-packed breakfast. For those of you who aren’t much into early morning meals, this dish could also be served as a mid-morning or pre-workout snack.

You’ll have to excuse the smaller bowl/portion that is photographed…I was hungry after my morning workout and I proceeded to eat about 1/3 of this dish prior to taking photos. My rubbling stomach got the best of me 🙂

Hot Maple Oat Bran

Ingredients

1/2 cup oat bran (or half gluten free rolled oats and half oat bran)
1 cup water
pinch of salt
1/2 to 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, optional for protein boost
1 Tbsp flaxseed meal (chia seeds or hemp seeds would also be delicious)
1 tsp coconut oil, butter, ghee or earth balance (can omit for lower fat but I like the richness)
1 to 3 tsp maple syrup to taste (agave or honey could be subbed)
1/8 to 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
5-6 pecan halves, chopped (other nuts/seeds can be subbed)
fresh berries

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine oat bran, salt and water over the stove on high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and stir until desired consistency is reached, stirring often (mine cooks for about 2 minutes).
2. Remove from heat and stir in protein powder, coconut oil/butter, maple syrup, flax meal, cinnamon and half of pecans.
3. Top with berries and remaining pecans and enjoy!

Serves one (can be doubled or tripled)

For flavor variations: use a different sweetener like honey or agave, top with almond butter, pecan butter, cashew butter, coconut butter, shredded coconut, bananas, non-dairy milk, yogurt and/or dried fruit