Post-Run Pomegranate Oatmeal | Vegan Breakfast

Disclosure: I received free samples of POM Wonderful mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by POM Wonderful and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

 

 

 

In case you didn’t know, I run a lot.  And always in the morning.  I adopted the morning habit when I was a teacher.  I’d end the day exhausted or something would keep me late at school. Running helps my mental health, so morning it is!  But that means I REALLY look forward to my post-run breakfast.

 

If you follow me on Instagram, you’re well aware of my smoothie bowl crafts; however, in these winter months, I want a warm bowl of oatmeal when I get home. Fueling my body right is key for all the running that I do.  Which is why I was excited for the opportunity to partner with POM Wonderful for their #CrazyHealthy recipe contest.  This post-run pomegranate oatmeal is a #CrazyHealthy way to start your morning. 

 

pomegranate oatmeal pom wonderful

 

After polling my readers, it turns out that y’all want more breakfast recipes.  As a runner, I can’t believe that I don’t have an oatmeal recipe on my blog yet!  I wanted to offer a different flavor combination than the typical apples and cinnamon, or brown sugar and maple that I normally see.  This post-run pomegranate oatmeal bowl combines whole grains, potassium, and powerful antioxidants for a unique twist on a classic runner breakfast.  Oatmeal cooked in pomegranate juice infuses the flavor even more.

 

 




Let’s break down the ingredients.

POM Wonderful 100% Juice is powered by antioxidants. The pomegranate is whole-pressed, meaning a unique blend of polyphenol antioxidants from two whole pomegranates – including its fruit, pith and rind – is found in each 8 oz bottle.  Plus, did you know that each 8oz bottle contains as much potassium as a medium banana!?  Music to this runner’s ears!  But what I was most excited to read about was some of their research on post-exercise recovery:

100% pomegranate juice is powered by unique polyphenols that early research suggests have promising results for post-workout muscle strength recovery. Certain types of polyphenol antioxidants, like those found in pomegranate juice, may help increase nitric oxide bioavailability by protecting it from breaking down in the body. Nitric oxide helps your body get the oxygen and nutrients in needs during exercise. *Although the research reported is promising, additional clinical research is needed to establish causation and the potential impact of pomegranate polyphenols and exercise.

I wrote about a similar finding in my tart cherry and beet smoothie recipe.  The power of plants, baby!  In addition to benefiting from the antioxidants in pomegranate juice, runners benefit from the complex carbohydrates in oatmeal.  Oatmeal is a low-glycemic, high fiber carbohydrate.  This means it digests slower, keeping you fuller longer.  It’s a great way to replenish glycogen stores after a run.

 

 

Pro tip: You’ll want to bring the milk to a simmer, then add in the oats and pomegranate juice.  Heat can destroy antioxidants, but a nice low simmer is perfect.  While it’s cooking, I typically do some stretching and stirring. Multi-tasking at it’s finest.  Typically, I’ll top mine with fresh fruits and granola, but go wild on your toppings.  Just keep it to natural sugars so you keep the nutritious value high. This recipe also makes fabulous pomegranate overnight oats! Just add all the ingredients to a jar, plus 2 tablespoons of chia seeds.

 

 

Just 5 ingredients, 15 minutes and one pot.  Pomegranate oatmeal is a great breakfast option for the time-crunched morning athlete.  Change up your breakfast routine with this healthy, athlete-friendly recipe.  New Year, new oatmeal.  That can be a 2018 trend, right?

 

What do you mix in to your oatmeal?  Do you prefer overnight oats or stove top oatmeal?  If you try this recipe, let me know!  Rate it, leave a comment, take a picture and tag @Rabbitfoodruns on Instagram.  I’d love to see how you enjoy your pomegranate oatmeal creations!

 

 

Buen provecho,

Becca

 

 

Print Recipe
Post-Run Pomegranate Oatmeal
This oatmeal is the perfect-post run refuel. It fits that 3:1 carb to protein ratio PLUS contains tons of potassium and antioxidants to aid in recovery. Great for recovery and replenishing glycogen stores.
Servings
serving
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice
  • 1/3 cup almond milk
  • 1 inch freshly grated ginger *Or sub 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
Optional: Toppings
  • 1/2 medium banana
  • 1/2 c berries
  • 1/4 c granola
Servings
serving
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice
  • 1/3 cup almond milk
  • 1 inch freshly grated ginger *Or sub 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
Optional: Toppings
  • 1/2 medium banana
  • 1/2 c berries
  • 1/4 c granola
Instructions
  1. Bring almond milk to a boil over medium heat on the stovetop. Add in the rolled oats and POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice. Reduce to a simmer and stir occasionally.
  2. When most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10 min) add in the ground or fresh ginger, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir to incorporate and then remove from heat.
  3. Top with fresh fruits, granola, or any of your favorite toppings.
Share this Recipe

 

 

Be sure to check out the other pomegranate inspired recipes in the Recipe Redux contest!  Linking up with Foodie Friday (Farrah, Ester, Annemarie) and Friday Five (Running on Happy and Fairy Tales and Fitness).

recipe-redux-linky-logo

 



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chocolaterunnergirl
6 years ago

This looks SO good! I typically love overnight oats as I am NOT a morning person but this would work great for a Sunday morning 🙂
Thanks for sharing a delicious recipe and for linking up with us!

(ps, I approved your link for the link up- I am not sure why it was not showing up yet)

Clarinda
6 years ago

This looks so pretty and sounds delicious!

Lacey@fairytalesandfitness

Your pic of that look delicious. I bet it is just as tasty.

Maria
6 years ago

Love hot oatmeal. This looks like a great combo!

Farrah
6 years ago

Yum! :]! This looks awesome! I love oatmeal bowls, especially in the winter! :]

Kimberly Hatting
6 years ago

This looks awesome! The pomegranate really gives it color and I bet the flavor is heavenly 😉

Deanna Segrave-Daly (@tspbasil)

Running first thing in the morning is the only time I can really do it either – I have no energy later in the day. Would love to have this for my next post-run breakfast!

EatRealLiveWell
6 years ago

ginger and pomegranate are so perfect together!