Harley Pasternak's Peanut Butter & Berry Protein Oats Recipe

Make your mornings much sweeter with this Peanut Butter & Berry Protein Oats recipe from celebrity trainer and nutrition expert Harley Pasternak.

If the sound of “oatmeal” has you running for the hills, do not fear — this is not your basic morning oatmeal. Celeb trainer and nutrition expert Harley Pasternak has a super-quick and easy Peanut Butter & Berry Protein Oats recipe that will elevate your day and make you look forward to morning mealtime. And if you’re a dessert lover, you’re sure to vibe with this sweet and healthy breakfast.

Quick-cooking oats serves as the solid foundation for this easy, protein-packed breakfast. Pasternak prefers quick oats rather than steel-cut oats because, like the name suggests, they are faster to make. That translates to an easier meal you’re likely to make again and again. Once the oats are finished cooking in water, you’ll mix in your choice of protein powder for an extra protein boost. Harley likes whey protein because it digests easily and doesn’t have a strong taste, but you can use any kind of protein powder you’d like.  

If you’re concerned about oatmeal tasting bland, that’s no problem here. This recipe amps up the sweetness by adding a ripe banana. Harley’s pro tip: Squeeze the banana in the peel to get it to the perfect consistency. 

Next up comes another important (and often overlooked) breakfast ingredient: fat. “Fat is important because it makes us feel fuller faster and longer. It adds a nice creaminess,” says Pasternak. Including some fats in the form of peanut, almond, or sunflower butter is the perfect way to check off this box. 

And finally, the cherry (or, berry) on top: fresh or frozen fruit. Pasternak prefers local, in-season berries for that extra zing. "Berries give it flavor, color, more antioxidants, some vitamins, minerals. But they also give it a lot of fiber,” says Pasternak. “Don’t be scared of frozen berries — they’re just as healthy for you. Sometimes even healthier, especially if you're buying a berry that’s out of season.” 

Bring it all together in the pot, stir, and serve. You won’t be hungry until lunch time — promise!  

TIP:

This meal is perfect as pre- or post-workout fuel. We recommend pairing this recipe with one of Harley Pasternak’s Superhero Series workouts on Alo Moves. Try it free with a 14-day trial.

Peanut Butter & Berry Protein Oats Recipe

Creates 2-3 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup oats 

• 2 cups water  

• 3 scoops whey protein  

• 1 ripe banana  

• 1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter  

• 1 cup assorted fresh or frozen berries

Directions

1. Combine the oats with water in a pot on the stove and leave for a few minutes until fully cooked.  

2. Once cooked, remove from heat. Add in the whey protein and fully incorporate it.  

3. Squeeze the banana to create a softer texture. Add in banana, peanut or almond butter, and your fruit. 

4. Stir in the pot and serve. 

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RECIPE COURTESY OF HARLEY PASTERNAK

Harley Pasternak is a celebrity fitness trainer, nutritionist, and best-selling author based in Los Angeles. He holds a master of science degree in exercise physiology and nutritional sciences from the University of Toronto and an honors degree in kinesiology from University of Western Ontario. He is also certified by The American College of Sports Medicine and The Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology, and served as an exercise and nutrition scientist for Canada’s Department of National Defense. 

As a fitness and nutrition specialist, Pasternak boasts the largest celebrity client roster in the industry. He is also a New York Times Bestselling Author whose titles have attained global bestseller status, which has led to translation in 14 languages in over 25 countries around the globe. Pasternak believes that you don’t need to spend hours inside a gym to create a healthy lifestyle — it’s all about how you spend your time outside of it, from incorporating regular movement into your day to better sleep and stress management.