Workout Wednesday - Workout Fuel

On this Workout Wednesday, I wanted to talk food.  One of my favorite subjects!

Lots of people ask, what should I eat before a workout? What should I eat after a workout?  

I don't think there is one right answer to this.  I'm not a doctor or nutritionist and I've just experimented to see what works for me.  Personally, I prefer to eat my carbs before a workout and focus more on proteins after a workout.  Carbs are good for you.  They give your body ENERGY which you need for a workout.  (*Note, not all carbs are created equal! You have to choose the healthy kind...whole grains, not overly processed stuff.*)

If I know I'm not working out first thing in the morning and will get my sweat on later in the day, one of my favorite breakfast options is oatmeal.  I've recently discovered steel cut oats. Yum!  I had been using the quick oats version which is also tasty but I find I enjoy the slightly chewy texture of the steel cut variety now.  It takes me 5 minutes to make on the stove top as opposed to 1 minute in the microwave for the quick oats, but when I have the time, I like to indulge myself.

I've played around with different mix-ins and have my top favorite version at the moment...Chocolate Shakeology Steel Cut Oats simmered in Almond Milk, Cinnamon and Vanilla, topped with Blueberries, Walnuts and Chia Seeds.  This thing is basically a dessert...it tastes that decadent. 

Ingredients:
*Quantities can vary depending on how much oatmeal you want.  This is my "big bowl" version.*

• 1/2 cup steel cuts oats
• 1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
• Dash of cinnamon
• Dash of vanilla extract
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 Tbsp. chia seeds
• 1 Tbsp. chocolate Shakeology

Instructions:

• In a small pot, bring the almond milk, cinnamon and vanilla to a boil on the stove top. Stir occasionally to keep the milk from burning.
• Once at a boil, add the oats and stir.  Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for approximately 5 minutes.  Stir occasionally.
• *Note: The amount of liquid you use and length of cook time can vary to personal preference.  I like my oats to be a little runny when they're done cooking as I find mixing in my other ingredients is easier.  I also don't like chunky, congealed oatmeal. It took me a few times of experimenting with liquid amounts vs. dry oats amount and cook time to find my magic combination.  You can do the same!*
• Once oats are done to your liking, pour into a bowl and stir in your other ingredients: blueberries, walnuts, chia seeds and Shakeology.
• Enjoy that big bowl of tasty goodness!

This breakfast will satisfy a sweet tooth and give you a great balance of heart healthy whole grains (good carbs people!), omega 3 fatty acids from the walnuts and chia seeds, a heaping serving of antioxidants from those super powered blueberries and protein from the oats, walnuts, seeds and Shakeology.  

A delicious and filling way to kick start your day so you can kick butt at your workout later!