Oat Bran Smoothie (Kim McDevitt-Vega Team)

You probably know that oatmeal is a great breakfast option thanks to being a good source of fiber. It’s also warm, hearty and a blank canvas for every type of topping, such as fruit, yogurt or nut butter or a fun addition to a smoothie. Adding oats to your smoothie is an easy way to increase your daily fiber intake and fiber is beneficial to our diet as it aids in digestion and makes you feel full therefore helping to maintain a healthy weight. It’s also a nutrient many of us American’s fall short of reaching enough of each day.

In this smoothie we’re swapping out traditional oatmeal for an even higher fiber option, oat bran, which is milled from rolled oats. In addition to an increased nutrient boost it also makes for the perfect addition to a smoothie thanks to its already fine texture. You can easily find a package at your local grocery story and use it in everything from smoothies to muffins or even make it as you would rolled oats.

This is such a simple smoothie but adding the oat bran makes this smoothie taste doughy. Like cookie-doughy. Cookie-doughy taste plus extra nutrients for your family in the morning –  that’s a win for kids and mom!

Keep it basic (without the added fruit) and top it with ingredients like granola, cinnamon and raisins for a spin on oatmeal cookie. Blend in some strawberries or peaches and add a dollop of yogurt and you’ve got strawberries (or peaches) and cream.

My final 2 tips:

1. Using less liquid will make this smoothie super thick making it perfect to pour into a bowl and eat with a spoon and lots of toppings. Add more liquid if you’re taking the smoothies to go!
2. If you have the foresight, soak the oat bran in your milk the night before. This will give you an even thicker texture.

Lastly, the cinnamon, pinch of salt, and vanilla extract are what give it the cookie dough taste but you can 100% leave these out and you’ve still got a delicious smoothie on your hands.