Oats/Quinoa Porridge

My favorite meal of the day is breakfast. A good breakfast will (should) kick start your day and give you tons of energy to tackle your tasks. I always like to make sure that my breakfast has a good amount of carbs and protein so it keeps me full all the way until lunch. Now since the weather in LA has become chillier, I like to wake up, take a warm shower, and then have a warm breakfast accompanied by warm tea (see a trend here?). One of my favorite cozy and body-warming breakfast at the moment is oatmeal.

You may be thinking, "You said oatmeal so why is quinoa pictured?!". For me, they have the same effect. Quinoa is the equivalent to oats, well at least for breakfast. Both oatmeal and quinoa are great sources of protein (quinoa is a complete protein with nine amino acids) and fiber, which will keep you energized and feeling full for a longer period of time.

After I cook the grain of choice in water, I put it into a bowl and prepare for toppings! I approach this task similarly to a five year old at an ice cream parlor. I almost always put almond milk into my quinoa while it's still cooking in the pot to give it a more soup-y texture, but I don't always put it in my oatmeal; it depends on my mood and how the oats have absorbed the water. Adding some kind of nut (pictured: almond butter and almonds) adds some extra protein, which again will keep you full and not to mention, is essential for your muscles if/when you workout! Coconut oil also goes into it while it is still hot, as it is packed full of benefits (I will post about it soon!). Not pictured, but always included, is some type of seasonal fruit. Some options are berries, apples, bananas- get creative! I also add cinnamon and chia seeds; chia seeds are a good source of Omega 3's, protein, and fiber. 

The quinoa is really convenient because you can cook up a big serving one night and put it in the fridge for the rest of the week. To heat it up, pop it in the microwave or back into a pot with a little bit of water or milk until it's warmed. It's also great cold!

Let me know what your favorite toppings are on your oatmeal!