Vanilla Quinoa Protein Porridge

Looking for a breakfast alternative to oats?  If you're like me, I enjoy my warm breakfast, but don't like all of the carbohydrates that are in oats.  Quinoa is not only a great rice alternative, but it's also a great oat substitute.  Not only is it gluten free, but it's also lower in calories, carbohydrates, and fat.  This superfood matches evenly with protein and fiber while not taking away from the texture you get from oats, so, for me, it's evident that quinoa is the better option.

Since quinoa does take longer than oats to cook,  I suggest cooking up a large batch on the weekend so you have it ready for the week ahead.  Here's just a basic template of what I add to my oat or quinoa porridge.

Vanilla Quinoa Protein Porridge

 Serves 1

Calories per Serving (w/o fruit): 273 (Protein: 20.9g - Fat: 12.4g - Carbs: 21.6g - Fiber: 5.9g)

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 T hemp hearts 
• 1 T chia seeds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 t cinnamon
• 1/2 t vanilla extract
• 1 stevia packet

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients until smooth
2. Store in a refrigerator until ready to eat
3. Microwave for 2 minutes
4. Top with desired toppings and fruit