I’m a morning runner.  I enjoy the stillness of life before most people are awake, the sounds, the dim light.  I am a morning runner, but I am not a roll-out-of-bed-put-on-my-running-shoes runner.  I am a hungry person in the morning, and the hunger hits hard and fast.  From the time my eyes open in that blissful, half-awake state, I have approximately eleven minutes until my stomach is snarling (yes, it’s beyond a growl) in a painful way.

Here’s one of my morning favorites that is satisfying, healthy, and delicious (and probably won’t give you “the feeling” in the middle of your run.  You know what I’m talking about.) :

Cocoa Almond Oatmeal with Banana

1/2 c oats (not instant oatmeal)

1 c almond milk (unsweetened)

1 tbsp almond butter

1 tsp cocoa powder (not hot cocoa mix)

banana

1. Bring almond milk to a boil.  2. Add oats. Reduce heat, and cook oats for about 3 minutes, stirring regularly.  3. Add cocoa powder.  Continue cooking for about 2 minutes, stirring well to mix the cocoa and oats.  4.  Remove from heat, add almond butter, and stir well.  5. Top with sliced banana, and enjoy!

You could certainly use regular or soy milk rather than almond milk, and peanut butter rather than almond butter.  Using hot cocoa mix instead of cocoa powder would be extra tasty, but I am trying to keep the added sugar to a minimum 😉  Also, shredded coconut would be excellent in this bowl, but alas, we did not have any.

After running or any type of workout, it’s important to refuel your muscles with a combination of carbohydrates and protein.  My go-to is a smoothie:

Frozen berries + frozen mango + spinach + soy milk

Why frozen fruit?  It gives the smoothie thickness without having to add ice.  Spinach?  It has SO many health benefits, and you can’t taste it, I promise. 🙂  A banana will do wonders for your smoothie as well, but I’ve found my stomach can only handle banana in small doses (weird, I know.)  I had already hit my daily limit with the oatmeal!

Ooh Yeeah.

Just make sure you floss; those berry bits you see have a way of placing themselves between every single one of your teeth 🙂