Ginger Spice Blueberry Proatmeal

With plenty of hot weather in the forecast, the cooler breeze this morning was a great reason to take my favorite (and most adorable) running Buddy out for a jog!

While Buddy was content with his Blue Buffalo after the run, I chose to re-fuel and repair with an ideal combination of protein and carbohydrate.  Oatmeal is a great source of heart-healthy soluble fiber, which makes it always a good choices for a healthy start to the day. 

I boosted the nutrition even more in this oatmeal by adding lean protein from egg whites, healthy omega 3 fats and fiber from flaxseed, tummy-soothing benefits of ginger (great for post-run), bone-strengthening calcium from the almond milk and antioxidant rich (and delicious!) fresh summer blueberries... yum!  A ripe banana adds natural sweetness, so we can avoid adding in additional sweetener.

 

I made more than needed for one serving- now I have a quick grab-n-go, healthy breakfast ready to go for the rest of the week!

Ginger Spice Blueberry Proatmeal
Serves 4 (about 1 cup each)

1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of your choice!)
1 cup water
1 ripe banana, mashed
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1/4 cup crystalized ginger, minced
1/2 cup egg whites
1 pint blueberries

1. Combine oats, almond milk, water, banana, flaxseed and ginger in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.  When mixture starts rolling into a slow boil, turn heat down to medium-low and cook until thickened, stirring frequently.
2. Turn heat to low and add egg whites- stir vigorously to disperse egg whites without having a scrambled egg effect.  Fold in blueberries and remove from heat.