If you follow my Facebook page, (shameless plug), you may recall that last week’s TIPsy Tuesday spotlighted ground oats in place of flour or breading.  (You can also find TIPsy Tuesday in The Snack Pack on this site.)  In light of that, I wanted to share a breakfast smoothie recipe I make that uses ground oatmeal in place of protein powder.  This is such a great alternative!  Filling, healthy, and less expensive.  Breakfast.  Boom.

Breakfast Smoothie

• 1½ cups almond or coconut milk
• ½ banana
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup old fashioned oats, uncooked
• 1 teaspoon dark chocolate powder, unsweetened
• 1-2 tablespoons instant coffee
• 1 teaspoon agave, optional

Put all ingredients in blender and blend on medium until banana and spinach are fully chopped and blended.  Blend on high for 1-2 minutes longer, to ensure oats and spinach are fully blended in.  If you are a major textural person, you may consider grinding oats into a powder in a spice grinder or food processor first, then adding to blender ingredients.  I personally find that the blender does a good enough job after being on high.  Pour over ice and get started on your day!

I have also made a smaller version of this without the banana as a “snack” drink after a workout.  Curbs that craving for something sweet and the feeling of being starved.  Cheers!