the whole nut

quick, easy (& tasty!) oats

March 9th, 2010

Fact: most health foodies are oatmeal fanatics. Yes, I too like a healthy bowl of oats in the winter months every now and then, but I never really crave it. (that is until…well, read on) Maybe it has to do with the fact that oatmeal was the breakfast I dreaded most growing up. Or maybe it’s because I’m so in love with my smoothies and juices these days.

But regardless of my own breakfast cravings, I can still appreciate a good bowl of oats–in taste and nutrition. So much, in fact, that the other morning before heading out on a lengthy flight, I decided to fuel up with a big bowl of warm oatmeal. This time, with a twist. The hearty breakfast definitely won my heart over that morning.

The great thing about oatmeal (which only adds to its popularity) is that it’s like a blank canvas: you can do so much with just a simple cup of oats. Whether fruity, plain, sweet or savory, you can concoct a breakfast that suits your taste buds with a few simple ingredients. That’s the best part! You get to be creative and mix and match to your heart’s content.

Aside from all the fun, oatmeal is a great way to incorporate good carbs into your daily diet, which our bodies need as fuel! Oats are a complex carb packed with minerals and fiber, which means it takes longer for your body to break down so you feel satisfied longer! No sugar rush (which happens with simple carbs) and no hunger pangs an hour later. This is a great way to keep your metabolism happy and maintain a steady blood sugar level, which helps combat diabetes, sugar cravings and weight-gain.

Another great thing about oatmeal is that it’s super quick and easy to make. The recipe below is what I use for the base, which itself is delicious and rich in antioxidants, fiber, protein and omega-3 essential fatty acids. Read below to see one of the masterful creations I’ve made of it.

Ingredients
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup dry rolled oats (I use Bob’s Red Mill)
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1 Tbsp almond butter
1 Tsp vanilla
1 pinch sea salt

Instructions
Mix ingredients together in small pot over medium heat. As the mixture begins to boil, put the heat on low, let simmer (uncovered) and stir occasionally until it begins to thicken (2 - 3 minutes). Makes one serving.

But wait–step back a minute. This is where the fun part comes in. This is where you get to mix in this and that to create the breakfast of your DREAMS (alright, maybe I’ve been a bit dramatic).

Dare I divulge a recent creation? I dare.

As the oatmeal began to simmer, I mixed in the following:
- 1 Tbsp cacao nibs
- 1 crumbled leftover muffin from purely elizabeth’s ultimate cacao muffin mix
And after I served up, I topped it all with heaping dollop of vanilla coconut milk ice cream and some crumbs leftover from the muffin. YUM.

But your oatmeal doesn’t have to be that…decadent. While the oats are simmering, try mixing in a banana, canned pumpkin puree, apple pieces, coconut shavings, walnuts, cinnamon, chocolate powder–really, the list can go on and on. Mix in what suits your nutrition needs and taste buds best!

Last but not least, oatmeal is the way to go when eating breakfast on vacation. Forget the make-your-own-omelets or buttery pancakes. Instead, I head straight to the pot of oats for a meal I know I can feel good about.

Do you like oatmeal? How do you dress your oats?

Filed under: Foods to Nourish

Tags: alexandra bricker, alexi bricker, almond butter, breakfast, chia seeds, easy, fiber, food, health, healthy, holistic health counselor, nutrition counseling, nutritional, nutritionist, oatmeal, oats, omega-3, purely elizabeth, quick, recipe