Recover with Power-Packed Oatmeal

Runners are always looking for a great recovery food and I think I’ve found one. If you’re a runner who loves oatmeal, the following recipe may be right up your alley after a hard morning workout. My Power-Packed Recovery Oatmeal brings a nice punch of carbohydrate, protein, fiber, calcium and potassium, and it tastes great. Give it a shot.

Disclaimer: The consistency of one's oatmeal is entirely personal. Some like their oatmeal thick; some like it thinner. I go for the thicker consistency. If you like yours thinner, you'll want to add a little more water or milk, but be sure to add your water or milk gradually so to avoid making your oatmeal soupy.

Power-Packed Recovery Oatmeal
1 cup of Old-Fashioned Quaker Oats (you can use Quaker Quick Oats, as well, but this will reduce cooking time. I can't speak for the Quaker Steel-Cut Oats because who wants to pay $6 for a cannister of oats?)
1 1/4 cup of water
2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter
¼ cup of skim milk
1 tablespoon of brown sugar (add a little more for extra sweetness)
1 banana sliced up
Maple syrup (optional)

Bring the water to a full boil. Pour in the oats, peanut butter and brown sugar. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir the oat mix. Be sure to keep stirring for about 5 minutes as the oats and peanut butter can easily burn (stir for just one minute if you use Quaker Quick Oats). Add water as needed to keep the oatmeal at the desired consistency. Add the milk and banana just before serving. If the oatmeal is too thick, add a little more water or milk. I also recommend adding some maple syrup for a little extra sweetness. Enjoy!