THE WONDERS OF OATMEAL
Oatmeal is the perfect fuel for my body in the morning, but there is no denying that plain old oats are just a bland pile of mush. I need something a little more exciting and comforting to actually want to eat breakfast.
Meet this little bowl of goodness. Truly delicious, easy, and time efficient, all while providing your body with necessary fuel for the day.
Oats are rich in fiber and carbohydrates, as well as providing many minerals and vitamins necessary in our diet. They also are higher in protein and fat than your average grain. However, it’s the “extras” that I top my oatmeal with that truly make this my morning go-to. A good handful of blueberries and a little bit of banana fill my fruity cravings, yet I’m not left with a sugar crash. Blueberries are a low-sugar fruit that are full of antioxidants, while the little bit of banana adds a kick of potassium. And we can’t forget the chia seeds. Chia seeds are high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants (truly a super food!). Just get ready with your toothbrush after this one! The chia seeds do like to get in your teeth.
I personally like a little scoop of Greek yogurt on top of my oatmeal. It can be dairy free too! I like the cooling sensation of the cold yogurt on top of the warm oats. Plus, I get some probiotics too with all the live cultures in the yogurt!
The goal is a satisfied stomach and a balanced meal to start your day off on the right foot. So, tweak the recipe if you want and find what works for you, but most of all, enjoy eating something healthy and tasty. You won’t regret sticking your spoon in this one.
Easy No-Sugar Added Oats
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup oatmeal I prefer Steel Cut or Old Fashioned Oats
- 2/3 cup water Can substitute milk of choice
- 1/2 Banana
- 1 t. Vanilla extract
- 1-2 Scoops protein powder of choice
- Handful of blueberries
- 1 TBS pepitas or other nut/seed of choice
- 1 TBS chia seed
- 1/8 cup yogurt of choice optional
- Cinnamon to taste
Instructions
- Mash banana at the bottom of a microwave safe bowl
- Add oats and protein powder on top of the banana
- Add water and vanilla extract and stir mixture well
- Microwave for 2-3 minutes (depending on oat type used and preference)
- Sprinkle chia seeds, pepitas, and blueberries to top
- Option to add a scoop of yogurt
- Finish your creation with a liberal shake of cinnamon
RECIPE NOTE
There are many different opinions out there regarding protein powders. One I’ve used in the past is Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. They are transparent about their ingredients, and I appreciate their unflavored collagen peptides. I get 20g of collagen per serving, plus an additional 18g of protein, while avoiding unnatural flavoring and unrecognizable ingredients. And, it’s available much cheaper at Costco!
That being said, I’ve been on a journey to be more plant-based, so I’ve been experimenting with the Raw Protein & Greens powder from Garden of Life. This one is vegan and contains probiotics, as well as several necessary vegetables. Let me know if you have opinions on different protein powder options in the comments.
Be Well. With Love.
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