Last night, within minutes, I received two emails from readers asking very similar questions about breakfast and protein:
I’m so sorry to say that I just don’t like oatmeal. You’re so creative with it and i know it is a great source of protein but I just can’t get into it. Do you have any ideas or advice on getting enough protein to keep me full in the morning?
I tried to replicate your typical breakfast, but I really hate peanut butter so I used almond butter hoping that would be better. Unfortunately, I didn’t like that either. Do you know another easy way I can add protein to my breakfast if I still want to eat oats?
It turns out, last night, our CrossFit coaches shared an awesome protein-packed Paleo recipe for No Oat “Oatmeal” with us, which I thought would be a perfect suggestion for these two readers. I also used it as inspiration for this morning’s breakfast.
The No Oat “Oatmeal” recipe used three whole eggs, but I wasn’t sure how the yolks would taste with a sweet ingredient like banana, so I used egg whites instead. I also nixed the almond butter and added it at the end like I normally do with my oatmeal, so if you don’t like nut butter, you can just eliminate it all together.
“Oatmeal” Minus the Oats
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 banana, mashed
- 3/4 cup liquid egg whites (or 3 egg whites)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (add more if desired)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Whisk together egg whites and almond milk and then stir in walnuts, ground flax, banana, vanilla extract, and cinnamon; blend well.
- In a medium saucepan, warm the mixture on the stove, stirring frequently, until the “oatmeal” reaches the desired consistency; this should only take a few minutes.
- Top with berries, nut butter, seeds, or whatever else your little heart desires.
I’m not going to lie, I was pretty skeptical about this recipe at first (I mean, eggs as oatmeal?), but it turned out so well. I know it’s going to become a regular breakfast in my house. It didn’t taste egg-y at all—the banana, vanilla extract, and cinnamon definitely helped hide the flavor. The consistency was oatmeal-like, but not as creamy and a little bit slimy (like eggs). I guess I’d equate the texture to really light and fluffy scrambled egg whites.
I topped my oat-less “oatmeal” with fresh blackberries and two scoops of peanut butter, and it tasted so delicious. And, the best part: this breakfast has three times as much protein as a 1/2 cup of rolled oats (15g versus 5g)!
Other protein ideas for breakfast: eggs of all kinds (egg sandwich, omelet, frittata, hardboiled), Greek yogurt or cottage cheese (with fruit, cereal, nuts, seeds, or stirred into oatmeal), smoothies with protein powder, Protein Pancakes, nut butters (added to smoothies, mixed into oatmeal or yogurt, spread on whole grain bread, English muffin, or waffles with fruit), beans (mixed into eggs), and turkey sausage.
What are your favorite proteins to include with breakfast?
Feel Great Weight
When I gained 25 pounds in the five months after graduating from college, my resolution for the New Year was to lose weight. But this goal had no real meaning or direction and didn’t help me lose any of those pounds. Basically my resolution was the bare minimum of setting a weight-loss goal, which meant that my motivation soon waned and I cheated on my diet as soon as I was faced with a Friday-morning glazed doughnut at the office.
It wasn’t until I read an article about how to make a “SMART” weight-loss goal—which stands for specific, measurable, accountable, realistic, timeframe—that I could transform my “lose weight” resolution into a much more attainable goal. View the slideshow to see how I set a SMART goal that helped me lose 25 pounds, which I’ve kept off for nearly seven years.
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That looks bizarre. If I want oatmeal, I am going to use oats!
Awesome! I have been paleo for a year now, and still miss oatmeal in the mornings. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try. But with the yolks from the original recipe. Don’t fear the yolk ladies…it is the good part!
Love this! I love oatmeal but this looks like a great option to change it up. Sometimes, although rarely, I’m just not in a carb mood. I recently made a “crepe” with egg whites and cinnamon and topped it with cottage cheese and berries. It was really good.
I’ve never intentionally made sweetened eggs [or "oatless" oats?] but I love scrambling up the leftover french toast batter and serving it along side!
For a protein packed breakfast I like taking a Fage 2% Greek yogurt (like 20 grams of protein!) and eating it with a warmed chocolate vita top muffin w/ a spoonful of nut butter. (I put it all in one bowl and mix it together, delicious!) I had this exact combo this morning and it kept me full for 5.5 hours… and I am 22 weeks pregnant!
I like adding egg whites into my oatmeal, but I don’t know how much I’d like “oatmeal” made entirely of eggs… it sounds interesting though!
I love eggs, peanut butter, or oatmeal (or another grain like bulgar) in the morning. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to strength train to build more lean muscle, so I’ve been more aware of my protein intake recently and have noticed that it’s not great. I need to get more consistent with getting protein throughout the day!
Congrats on your weight loss…I haven’t viewed your blog in several months you look GREAT!
To get my protein in, I actually make overnight oatmeal – 1/4 cup oats, add about 2 heaping Tbsp. Greek Yogurt, sprinkle of chia or flax seeds and about 1/4 mashed banana. Then in the morning, I layer it in a jar. I put 1/4 cup greek yogurt, strawberries, raspberries or whatever fruit you like, then the oatmeal, almond butter another layer of greek yogurt, then more fruit and top with granola. It’s high protein, about 250 – 300 calories and good carbs and fat! It fills me for hours, and making the oatmeal overnight, no cooking involved, just layering, so it takes less then 5 minutes to put together.
I love protein pancakes. I actually use to HATE them before until someone said to use a blender to blend everything and then cook like a pancake and it seriously made all the difference!
I love eggs n oats! I usually cook 1/4c oats on the stove top with stevia, cinnamon, and then whisk 1 egg and 2 whites with vanilla extract, top with a form of nutbutter and berries. You get the healthy fat from the yolk, the protein from the eggs, and additional carbs for energy.
Occasionally I leave out the eggs and stir in protein powder after the oats are cooked!
I have scrambled oatmeal every single morning. It is the best combination ever!!! I even add some sugar free maple syrup on it. Oh man, good stuff. I’ve never tried it without the oats at all though. I’ll have to test that one out.
Hmmm I’m not gonna lie–the sweet + eggs combination wouldn’t be something I normally try, but I’d take your word for it. Plus, that protein is insane!
I’ve just had scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and rocket – mixed together with a scoop of light cream cheese. Slice of wholemeal toast spread with Tahini on the side. mmmmm
I totally understand having goals that are “realistic” and “measurable” but my problem is that I don’t really KNOW what is realistic for me? I’m 5’6” and about 150 lbs. I think I’ve gained around 10 lbs since I graduated college (2009) and I’m started to really see it in my clothes. I’m pretty healthy (I eat right during the week and workout regularly) but my weakness is the weekends (I got NUTS). I’d like for my clothes to fit normally but have no clue how long that should take? Also, I know if I tell people I want to lose 10 lbs they’re all going to say (OMG no you don’t! You’re already so fit). I’m a former college athlete, I’ve been “fit” before and right now I do not feel “fit.” Everytime I pick myself up and say “okay, this time is forreal” I end up seeing no results and get discouraged and say eff it. I’ve done that so many times it’s hard to be motivated to do it again. Any suggestions?
@Katy @ HaveYouHurd: Good question. I think it comes down to what makes you happy and what’s good for you. Personally, I know that I’m at my “happy weight” when I don’t think about it. I eat, drink, and exericse for my health and the thought of my weight never crosses my mind.
If you don’t feel fit, how about setting a small fitness goal for youself and trying to meet it? You could then create a game plan of sorts with how you will achieve it, which will likely motivation you to get started and keeping going!
Thanks Tina!
Wow, what a combination!! Sweet eggs?! I will wait for a day when I’m feeling really daring to try this!!
”The No Oat “Oatmeal” recipe used three whole eggs, but I wasn’t sure how the yolks would taste with a sweet ingredient like banana, so I used egg whites instead. ”
Um, what? Whole eggs are almost always used (or even just yolks) in baked sweets! Why don’t you just admit that you left out the yolks to cut down on calories?
To be honest, calories weren’t a consideration when I made that switch. I mean, I added two spoonfuls of peanut butter to my breakfast, and I’m pretty sure there are more calories in peanut butter than egg yolks!
I absolutely loved this. I did it this morning and also added in 1/4 of oats for more fiber and staying power. I added in some PB but this is seriously my new favorite breakfast! Thanks for sharing!
This recipe doesn’t look weird if you have ever made french toast, this just uses bananas instead of bread. I think it would be fine with whole eggs. I often add a veggie protein powder to my almond milk to top oatmeal.
This was amazing I’m trying the paleo diet along with Ww. I feel I’m pretty addicted to carbs and the theory of paleolithic eating makes sense to me. For me personally, carbohydrates make me want more carbohydrates leading to binges. I also feel more vibrant and energetic without starch. This no oat oatmeal kept me full for 5 hours!!
I’m avoiding carbs and sugar for the next couple of weeks just to curb my cravings. I was wanting oatmeal sooo badly and this really hit the spot. Can’t wait to make this all the time!!
I’m trying this in the morning! I already mixed it and I’m letting it sit overnight… fingers crossed this concept works just as great. I’m in a time squeeze in the A.M. and nothing is more satisfying than a healthy and delicious breakfast all ready!
I finally tried these this morning! Amazing. I love the lack of sweetener!
I must say that I’m enjoying your blog lately. I do CrossFit twice a week and enjoy making certain food Paleo (but I’m not 100% Paleo). But I realize that you are taking a huge risk, because many of your readers probably stick to a more traditional diet and may not be able to relate to you as much, as I can see from comments. I just wanted to encourage you to continue to do what makes you feel best and know I appreciate the fact that you aren’t hiding your new lifestyle. It’s refreshing to read about a diet and workout plan that are different than most I read about on other blogs.
@Maria: Aww, thank you!
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