Fast & Delicious, Healthy Oatmeal, let’s talk.

Do you love oatmeal, like I do?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved Oatmeal for breakfast.  As a kid, I remember falling in love with the sugar-loaded, instant brown package, single servings of Quaker Maple and Brown Sugar!!  O.K….Confession…..I still love it!!

Luckily, my greater love for healthier alternatives, including for oatmeal, has evolved into my being much more conscious of what I put into my body and that of my family’s bodies, and has transformed into MUCH healthier choices.

Here are some DELICIOUS options I have found.

Why Oats, you ask?  In case you need some convincing, here are just a few Oat Facts to help you love it, too:

•  Research shows that eating oatmeal daily, has some amazing benefits, which include, but are not limited to…
  • reduces risk of heart disease
  • lowers cholesterol
  • reduces high blood pressure (soluble fiber)
  • reduces risk for type 2 diabetes
• Oatmeal is quick and convenient
• Great choice of complex carbs, and soluble fiber, and has vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

• PICK YOUR OAT: (Preferably Organic)
• OLD FASHIONED
• STEEL CUT OATS
• QUICK OATS
• GLUTEN FREE
• OATMEAL ALTERNATIVES CAN ALSO BE USED FOR THESE RECIPES (QUINOA FLAKES, CREAM OF RICE)

FAST & DELICIOUS BREAKFAST OATS -3 DIFFERENT WAYS

RECIPE #1 . “GOTTA BE OUT THE DOOR 5 MIN AGO OATS”

AFFECTIONATELY, NAMED FOR THE MOM….OR ANYONE, WHO HAS LITERALLY…. 2 MINUTES

NEEDED:

• Glass, bowl (P.S. If you don’t own any ‘on the go bowls’ , I’ve dropped a link below… the LOCK top is amazing and vital, trust me)
• 40-50 grams OR ½ cup of Oats
• 40-50 grams Organic blueberries and or strawberries

GLASS LOCK TOP CONTAINERS

STEPS:

*Measure out desired amount of dry oatmeal in your bowl, add a little more than 2x as much water as oats, or to desired consistency.  Throw in microwave for 2 min. (NOTE: I don’t own a microwave and personally don’t like them…but this will definitely speed up the process to get you out the door)  Clean and measure out desired amount of berries while oats are cooking.  Grab a ‘to go’ spoon, and toss it in your bag.  When oats are done, toss in  your berries.  Secure lid on tightly.  On your commute the heat will perfectly soften your berries, and the berries will sweeten your oats.  Grab spoon. Enjoy.

RECIPE #2 PB&J OATS….. CAN YOU SAY YUM?!?!

WE WILL CALL THIS ONE ‘WEEKEND OATS’, BECAUSE YOU WILL HAVE TIME TO SIP MY COFFEE OR TEA, WHILE PUTTING THIS TOGETHER…

NEEDED:

• Glass bowl
• 40 grams OR ½ cup Steel Cut Oats (or oats of choice)
• 60 Grams Strawberries and/OR Blueberries
• Cinnamon
• Healthy Peanut Butter (a great option is in the link below)

CRAZY RICHARD’S CREAMY PB

*Note from a peanut butter enthusiast,… watch your ingredients when choosing peanut butter.  Most brands add palm oil, (and other things) to keep the peanut butter from separating.  If you can’t find Crazy Richards brand, then look for a peanut butter than is JUST peanuts… or you can also just make your own.  NOTE:  With real peanut butter, when you first open it,… you must COMMIT to THE STIR!  Don’t do it half way,… you will be sad later when there are only hard chucks in the bottom…. Once stirred… LIKE YOU MEAN IT,… store the container upside-down.  The oils in the peanuts will keep it mixed up longer, this way. Of course, you do NOT have to use peanuts….you can make an even healthier, ALMOND BUTTER or other nut of choice….CAN YOU SAY YUM, AGAIN?!?!?!

STEPS:

Measure your oats, and follow package directions to cook them. *If you do choose to cook them in the microwave, add a little more than 2x water than oats, and cook for 2 min in your glass bowl.  Remove from stove…. or microwave, and stir in a ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon.  Toss in your berries of choice. DRIZZLE zig- zags of Peanut Butter across your Oats.  Go from edge to edge… if you want to make it pretty! (or write a message….whatever makes you HAPPY) Cover glass bowl with lid for 5-10 min and let flavors incorporate together… ENJOY

RECIPE 3: PRETTY AS A PEACH OVERNIGHT OATS (Prep the night before)

NEEDED:

• Glass Jar, OR Glass bowl
• 40 grams OR ½ cup Old Fashioned Oats (or oats of choice)
• 1 cup Almond or Coconut Milk (or water works just fine)
• Cinnamon
• Dash of Citrus Zest
• ½ Tsp Vanilla
• 1 TBSP Chopped Pecans
• ½ Medium Peach, Diced

STEPS:

Here’s my favorite part…..so easy!!  Throw it all in your glass jar or glass bowl.  Cover with an airtight lid, and shake it like Tom Cruise in “Cocktail”.   That’s right girl,… SHAKE IT!   Then, put it in your fridge, and eat it in the morning.

Try out these these recipes and let me know what you think in the comments below!!

I hope you got some value from this post! Each week I will put my heart into making sure you get some amazing strategies so you can live best life, love your body, & experience freedom through nutrition, exercise….and quality time with your family  ~Love, Lori