Everyday Oats

I was having a Spinach Smoothie for breakfast for the longest time. However, I'd read so much about not drinking one's calories that when I started on a new Corporate Weight Loss Challenge at work, I decided to change to oats instead. Of course, the added benefit of oats is how healthy they are (not that my smoothie was unhealthy). Oats have Avenanthramides - these polyphenolic antioxidants that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activity, and according to Dr. Esselstyn, oats also help stimulate the health of endothelial cells in our arteries. 

Everyday Oatmeal

Prep Time: 5 min

Ingredients (1 Serving):

1. 1/2 cup Rolled (Old Fashioned) Oats
2. 1 tbsp Chia Seeds
3. 2 tbsp Raisins
4. 1 Medium Banana, sliced
5. 1 tbsp Slivered Almonds
6. 1.25 cups Almond Milk (I use Silk PureAlmond, Unsweetened Original)
7. A dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
8. 1 tbsp Maple Syrup (optional, if you like it super sweet only)

Directions:

Add the first three ingredients to a microwave safe bowl and nuke it on high, for 3 minutes. Sprinkle cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, mix well and serve. I almost never use maple syrup in this recipe because the banana and raisins provide ample sweetness. 

Everyday Oats

My Assessment: The perfect way to start the day. The nuts and the chia seeds help me stay full longer and also satisfy my crunch craving. Great way to start the day! Feel free to leave out the nuts or chia seeds if you're not a big fan. Just banana with pumpkin pie spice is great in this recipe.

Optional Ingredients: frozen or fresh blueberries, fresh blackberries, red raspberries. Sliced strawberries. Switch almonds with raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas). Switch raisins with or dried/diced apricots or half of a medjool date (those are super sweet, so add less than usual). 

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving): Calories 451 (Fat Calories 131)
Total Fat 14.5 g; Carbohydrates 76.9 g; Fiber 14.7 g; Sugars 26.4 g; Protein 12.4 g