My Everyday Oatmeal

I never used to like oats. I always thought of them as bland, tasteless and mushy. It was one of those things I thought they forced you to eat to be “healthy.” This was because I wasn’t doing it right! I now eat oatmeal every single day, loaded with fruits, nut butter, and goodness. It keeps me full and energized all morning.

What do I put in it?

Oats – duh!

Oats are rich in soluble fiber and powerful nutrients and antioxidants. It’s the best way to start the day and stay full til lunch time, especially since I work out in the morning. I start off with 1/4 cup of oats. Usually during the week I will make microwave quick oats. I have no problem with this. They are pre-cooked, dried, and then rolled and pressed slightly thinner than rolled oats. They are slightly more processed than steel cut oats or rolled oats, and contain less texture, but still retain most of the nutritional benefit. For me, it works when I’m pressed for time, but if I have more time on the weekend, I’ll make a batch of rolled oats or steel cut oats to eat during the week. I will mix the oats with 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk

Berries

Berries are my favorite! They are low on the glycemic index and add so much natural sweetness and texture to a dish. In the spring and summer, I’ll use fresh berries. When berries are not in season, I will sometimes use frozen berries. While not the same, they are frozen at the peak of freshness and do the trick if you can’t find fresh berries easily.

Nut butter

This is what takes the oatmeal to the next level. I add a dollop of unsalted crunchy peanut butter. The protein and added fiber helps to make this a more filling breakfast, and keep me fuller. It makes it tastier and thickens the oats more. If you haven’t tried peanut butter in oats before, you are missing out!

Chia Seeds

A great source of omega-3 fatty acids for vegetarians and vegans. It also adds a nice layer of crunch, swells and thickens the oats. You could also add hemp seeds if you have them on hand.

Do I sweeten?

No. I never add sugar or sweeteners to my oats. I sweeten it naturally with 1/2 a banana, either cut or mashed and and a healthy pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice. I also add unsweetened vanilla almond milk, which helps add to the sweetness. I don’t miss the sugar with all these added goodies!

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Here’s everything you’ll need for a killer, filling bowl of oats:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup oats
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 banana
• 1/4 -1/2 cup berries (usually blueberries and strawberries
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin spice seasoning
• 1-2 tsp chia seeds
• If I have them on hand, a handful of pecans

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Directions

1. Cook the oats: For Quick Oats – Microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds with water. For rolled oats, add double the quantity of water to oats and add to a saucepan, simmer for 10 minutes. For steel cut oats, the cooking time will be even longer – 15-20 minutes.
2. Blend in almond milk. About 1/4 cup for a creamy bowl of oats.
3. Layer: Place oats in a bowl, layer with berries banana, chia seeds, nuts and nut butter.
4. Be full, focused, vibrant and healthy all day!

How do you like your oats? Let me know in the comments below or on instagram at @iamstufft