Oatmeal 4 Ways
I could eat oatmeal for every meal if it was nutritionally adequate. It is honestly my number one comfort food and my go-to breakfast like every day! Some might say that is "boring" so I decided to do a quick round-up of a few variations so you can change it up and not get sick of it! Some health benefits of oats - whole grain, full of fiber, high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and they keep you full for a long time.
Note: I add egg whites to all of my oatmeal because protein is important in the morning too! It changes the consistency of your oats and isn't for everyone. Omit if you want more of a traditional oatmeal texture.
Peanut Butter & Banana Oatmeal
My obsession with oatmeal is equaled only by my love for peanut butter. It is very high in calories and fat though, so I have to monitor my intake to like half a jar a day ;). In order to get the taste of peanut butter I love, but still watch that waist line, I sub in PB2 for peanut butter sometimes! I know it isn't a whole food, and yes there is a SMALL amount of added sugar, but we make sacrifices for the things we love.
Serves: 1
Cook Time: 7 min
Ingredients:
1/3 cup quick oats
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp chia seeds
1/4 cup egg whites
1 tbs ground flaxseed
1 tbs natural peanut butter OR 2 tbs PB2 mixed with 1 tbs water
1 banana
1-2 tbs of honey, dates or raisins for sweetness
Instructions:
Put oats, almond milk and chia seeds into a small pot over medium. Cook down for ~5 min.
Turn the heat down to low and whisk in the egg whites until incorporated and fluffy (this seriously doubles the size of your oats, and I am all about quantity).
Mash half of your banana and slice the other half. Add mashed banana, peanut butter and flaxseed to pot. Mix until combined.
Top with sliced banana, a drizzle of peanut butter, honey and enjoy!
Turmeric & Maca Oatmeal
Naturally I needed a "super food" oatmeal recipe. According to Dr. Axe, "Turmeric is arguably the most powerful herb on the planet at fighting and potentially reversing disease", and ,"The maca root benefits include a positive effect on hormone balance, energy levels, and a health booster". I don't know about you, but those sounds like things I want to incorporate into my diet! Here are his reviews of Turmeric and Maca. My recipe below!
Serves: 1
Cook Time: 7 min
Ingredients:
1/3 cup quick oats
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp maca powder
1/2 tsp ground turmeric powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
sprinkle of ginger
1/4 tsp almond extract (you could sub vanilla extract if you don't like the flavor of almond)
1/4 cup egg whites
1 tbs ground flaxseed
1-2 tbs honey for sweetness
Optional Toppings:
sliced almonds
sliced banana
dates, raisins or figs
Instructions
Put oats, almond milk, chia seeds, maca powder, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and almond extract into a small pot over medium heat. Cook down for ~5 min.
Turn the heat down to low and whisk in the egg whites until incorporated and fluffy.
Mash your banana and add that in with your flaxseed and honey.
If you like your oats a little bit thinner, you can add more almond milk or water. Top with your desired toppings and enjoy!
Carrot Cake Oatmeal
I love carrot cake, and any way to get veggies into my breakfast is a win!
Serves: 1
Cook Time: 7 min
Ingredients:
1/4 cup quick oats
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp cinnamon
sprinkle of nutmeg
sprinkle of cloves
1 large carrot, shredded
1/4 cup egg whites
1 tbs ground flaxseed
1 banana
1-2 tbs of maple syrup, 1 tbs raisins or 2 tbs crushed pineapple for sweetness (I have never used pineapple, but I think it would be such a great addition as some carrot cakes have it!)
Instructions
Put oats, almond milk, chia seeds, spices and shredded carrot in small pot over medium heat. Cook down for ~7 min or until carrot is tender.
Turn the heat down to low and whisk in the egg whites until incorporated and fluffy.
Mash half of your banana and slice the other half. Mix in banana, flaxseed and sweetener of choice.
Top with sliced banana and any other toppings you desire!
Chocolate Peppermint Oatmeal
I make this when I basically want to eat dessert for breakfast. The peppermint is bright and wakes you up and is festive around the holidays!
Serves: 1
Cook Time: 7 min
Ingredients:
1/3 cup quick oats
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
2 tbs dark chocolate cocoa powder (I used this brand)
1/4 cup egg whites
1 tbs ground flaxseed
1-2 tbs maple syrup for sweetness
Optional toppings:
crushed candy cane
sliced banana
chocolate chips
Instructions
Put oats, almond milk, chia seeds, peppermint extract and cocoa powder into a small pot over medium heat. Cook down for ~5 min.
Turn the heat down to low and whisk in the egg whites until incorporated and fluffy.
Mix in flaxseed and sweetener of choice.
Top with a sliced banana, or for an even sweeter treat crushed candy cane and chocolate chips!
Let me know which variation you like best, or let me know what kind of oats you make! I am always looking for new ideas!
Best,
Stacey