How You Should Be Doing Oat Bran for Breakfast
For me, right now, the answer is a resounding “yes!” I’ve gotten back on the breakfast bandwagon, and I’m doing it with the help of my friend OAT BRAN.
Life has turned a little busier in the past few years—especially after having children. Picture how mornings must feel—somewhat crazy. I am never that hungry in the early morning; after having one coffee, I start eating whatever my girls are eating. Now that I think, this is so wrong. It is not even giving me enough energy to pursue my day, and it feels horrible that I am not consuming what my body deserves the first meal of the day.
Then came oat bran. And that is where this was life-changing for me.
Why Oat Bran?
I’m sure you’ve heard of oatmeal, but oat bran brings more! It’s the softer and more comforting porridge but faster and much more nourishing. If you ever had Malt-O-Meal as a kid, oh, the nostalgia! It’s like that, but better. Oat bran takes basically no time to cook-it’s done in three minutes or less. Silky textured and ready for any dressing you like.
Some nutrition talk in between here. The oat bran truly comes from the fiber family. One serving sees 7 grams each of protein and fiber for good measure, eh? But going all-out might entail making it extra-wonderful with creaminess from milk, eggs, and some berries on top; really the choice is all yours! The beauty of oat bran is in its ability to be personalized according to cravings, from simple to rich.
Bob’s Red Mill Oat Bran, my favorite quantity, is bought in bulk from Kowalski’s in the Twin Cities. It also comes in organic, which I’ve bought, too, and which I love. If you’re not near a local store, grab a bag off of Amazon.
So, oat bran was declared too good, and now it has a certain status in the family. My girls, who usually eat oatmeal, were quite unhappy when we ran out of oat bran. It’s that good. Now we are buying a whole bunch of bags every time I go shopping. The girls are hooked, and so am I. This is no short-lived craze: oat bran is here to stay at our breakfast table.
How To Make Oat Bran the Right Way
Making great-tasting oat bran is ridiculously simple. You could have your hearty breakfast ready in under 5 minutes! Here is how I do it:
- The Simmer
Take oat bran, water, milk, and a pinch of salt, and let it simmer. After about 2 minutes, it will thicken—a transformation into a creamy substance ready for the next step. - Eggs Optional But Oh So Worth It
Really, this step is optional, although it does take oat bran to a whole new level of breakfast luxury. I add eggs for extra creaminess and protein. With the pan very low heat, keep stirring continuously so the eggs don’t scramble. Trust me, it makes all the difference. - Whisk on Low Heat Until Fully Combined
Once the eggs are in, keep the mixture moving. Stir away and, if need be, turn off the heat so you can whisk it all together. Result: a thick-creamed, dreamy bowl of oat bran goodness. - The Fun Part: Toppings!
The fun part comes now. I love to finish off my oat bran with some butter, maple syrup, and juicy raspberries. The sweet-tart mix is pure bliss, rich in flavor from butter and sweetness, just comforting!
Quick and easy, one of my favorite ways to kick-start the day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oat Bran
Where Do You Buy Oat Bran?
I buy Bob’s Red Mill oat bran because it is high quality, and I trust it. Locally, I get it from Kowalski’s, but it can also be found at Amazon (affiliate link) if you are interested in shopping online. They even have an organic version!
How Can I Add More Protein?
Sometimes I like to stir in a scoop of collagen protein powder into my oat bran. Dissolves without a trace and gives a protein boost. My choice is collagen, but any protein powder you like will do. If you want to get even more nutrition in during breakfast, this is great.
Can You Make Oat Bran Ahead of Time?
Similarly to oatmeal, oat bran cooked and stored in the refrigerator does not keep long. If it is kept long, it begins to thicken and get chunky in some areas. The trick to help with a make-ahead option is to prepare overnight oat bran by soaking it in milk or a dairy alternative overnight for a creamy, ready breakfast in the morning.
What Other Add-Ins Could I Try?
The sky is the limit with add-ins! You can add frozen blueberries, slices of banana, or even jam or preserves. A small splash of cream or a dollop of peanut butter can make it nice and creamy. I also like to throw in a bit of flax, hemp, or chia seeds for some extra fiber and omega-3s. Or, if you want a special treat, add chocolate chips-the options with oat bran are endless!
Why Oat Bran Will Be Your New Favorite Breakfast
The thing that I really love about oat bran is that it is a blank canvas. Whether you want it simple or a little fancy, oat bran gives you the vehicle to create a dish that conforms to your tastes and your nutrition requirements. Not to mention it has the added health benefits: fiber, protein, and tons of nutrients. All that in a breakfast you can whip up in mere minutes that will fill you up and have you set to conquer the day.
I have truly become a devotee to oat bran, and I will bet that with even a little bit of effort on your part, you just might do the same! Whether you are a busy parent or a simple soul with needs for a wholesome and filling breakfast, this is the solution. Once you make it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t done it before! Bon Appétit!