Chocolate in the Morning

I woke up feeling chocolatey.  As in, I must start my day with chocolate or I am just going to stay in bed.  As much of a chocoholic as I, admittedly, am, this doesn't happen often.  I usually prefer to end my day with chocolate, not start it.

Since we don't exactly buy the chocolatey kids cereals (um, ew.  Have you looked at the nutrition information on the box?!) I made my own.  But it was even better because I used Oat Bran (Trader Joe's sells it in 2 lb bags for less than $3) and I added chocolate whey protein powder and cocoa powder for flavor.  It kind of reminded me of the taste of hot chocolate, but chewable.

Also, the dollop of PB I added after I took the photo was a good idea - makes it taste like a peanut butter cup.

Hot Chocolate Oat Bran 
serves 1

1/4 cup oat bran
1 cup liquid:  water, milk, almond milk or a combination (I used 3/4 cup water +1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk) + up to 1/4 cup more, depending on thickness desired
dash of cinnamon
1/2 scoop chocolate whey protein powder (use one sweetened with stevia or unsweetened, not with sugar) - make sure you use a high quality protein, one that you enjoy the flavor.
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 packet stevia (or other sweetener, optional)

milk, strawberries, peanut butter, sliced bananas, etc. (optional) for serving

In a small pot, combine oat bran and 1 cup liquid over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.  Once it starts to boil, lower the heat to medium and stir until about half the liquid is absorbed.  Then, add the cinnamon, protein powder and cocoa powder.  You may need to add a little extra liquid (water or milk) depending on your desired thickness.  Stir until most of the liquid is absorbed and the oat bran is thickened.  Taste and add stevia (or other sweetener) as needed.  Serve topped with the strawberries, peanut butter or other toppings.

FYI -

Count Chocula Cereal (per 3/4 cups cereal) :  12 grams of sugar, 1 gram protein, 1 gram fiber

Chocolate Cheerios   (per 3/4 cup cereal):  9 grams of sugar, 1 gram protein, 1 gram fiber

Reece's Puffs Cereal (per 3/4 cups cereal):  12 grams of sugar, 2 grams protein, 1 gram fiber

Cocoa Puffs Cereal (per 3/4 cups cereal):  12 grams sugar, 1 gram protein, 1 gram fiber

Mine (per serving, not including milk or toppings for comparison to cereals above):  0 grams sugar, 18 grams protein, 7 grams fiber


I win.