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I'm changing gears a bit this month and am offering up a streak of healthy and delicious recipes. It's a big step away from last week’s sausage stuffed bread, but hey, life is all about balance and while I never deprive myself of delectable dishes, I do work hard to maintain a healthy diet as part of my lifestyle.
I find starting the day with good choices is key and mornings being as hectic as they are, often make this a challenge. Few people have time to dedicate their mornings to food preparation which is why today’s recipe is pure gold! I've been obsessed with 2 hour or "overnight oats" for the past few years. They are delicious, easy to make, fuss free and you can do so many variations that you don't get sick of them. Another reason I love them is that they are really filling. I wake up ravenous every single day and being able to grab my oats right from the fridge and immediately get to chomping is a gift. Oats are also nutrient dense and high in beta-glucan, which can reduce high cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Rich in carbs and fiber, my breakfast oats fuel me up and help me kick but at the gym every morning. The difference in my energy and power on days when I do eat my oats vs the days I don't, is really apparent. I try to eat this just about every day. And if you were wondering, you eat this cold? But I prefer to warm oatmeal. I feel cold allows you to taste these fresh flavors to the fullest!
There are TONS of variations that you can do with this base recipe. Here are a few, but branch out, mix it up and keep it fresh and new. One thing I LOVE to do when making this is use fruit that is just about to go south; when the fruit is soft and almost-over ripe, that’s when fruit is at its sweetest, no unnatural sugar needed, baby!
What Do I Need
1 Glass Ball Jar
3/4 Cup Oatmeal
3/4 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Milk (you can use regular milk, soy milk or almond milk just stick with unsweetened)
Add Ons: Any desired fruit or nuts! See below for ideas.
Oatmeal Banana (bananas & raisins)
Mix your oatmeal and milk and add 1/2 of a banana (sliced in 1/4" slices) and a 1/4 cup of raisins, mix well and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.
Oatmeal Berry (strawberries, blackberries, almonds)
Mix your oatmeal and milk and add 3 sliced strawberries and 3 - 5 blackberries, mix well and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. Before eating, add a handful of almonds.
An Apple A Day Oatmeal (apples, cinnamon, raisins)
Cut your favorite type of apple into small cubes (I'm team Granny Smith ALL DAY!). In a small saucepan add 1/2 cup of water. Bring your water to a boil and then add your apples with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Lower your heat to medium and allow them to simmer until they are soft. Remove from heat and set aside. Mix your oatmeal and milk and add your cooled apples and mix well, you can add a bit of the water from the pan as well as it will be sweet and delicious. Add a handful or raisins and more cinnamon if desired for taste. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours!
There is SO much you can do with this! I I am allergic to peaches, but I can imagine some soft sliced peaches, raisins and a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla would be divine, though I can't risk the hives and gagging to try it. If you do, let me know! And if you need a touch of sweet, try a dash of pure Maple Syrup! And remember, this is a great way to use any fruit that is on its way out, so don't waste it, use it up in this healthy, fast, filling and easy treat!