We like to mix up our breakfast routines, so we are not eating the same thing every morning. Here are some ideas for using oats to help make your breakfast a little healthier because oats have been shown to improve heart health, lower cholesterol, improve blood sugar, and help control weight. They are rich in fiber which promotes a healthy GI tract.
Overnight Oats
What you need
- ½ cup organic rolled oats
- ½ cup unsweetened milk (any milk of your choice)
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Toppings: Fresh fruit (berries, banana, apple slices), nuts, or nut butter
- Feel free to double or triple this recipe and use mason jars for serving!
What to do
In a jar or bowl, combine the oats, milk, chia seeds, and sweetener (if using). Stir well. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with your favorite fruits, nuts, or nut butter for extra flavor and nutrition.
Oat Pancakes
What you need
- 1 cup organic oats (blend into flour or use oat flour)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup milk (or non-dairy milk)
- Coconut oil or butter for cooking
What to do
Blend the oats into a flour consistency using a blender or food processor. In a bowl, mix the oat flour, mashed banana, eggs, baking powder, vanilla, salt, and milk. Heat a skillet with a little coconut oil or butter over medium heat. Pour the batter onto the skillet in small rounds and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Serve with fresh fruit, a dollop of yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Oat Smoothie Bowl
What you need
- ½ cup organic rolled oats
- ½ cup frozen berries
- ½ banana
- ½ cup milk (any milk of your choice)
- Toppings: Granola, nuts, chia seeds, coconut flakes, or extra fruit
What to do
Blend the oats, berries, banana, and milk together until smooth. Pour the smoothie mixture into a bowl. Top with your favorite toppings like granola, nuts, or fresh fruit for crunch and flavor.
Baked Oatmeal
What you need
- 1 cup organic rolled oats
- 1 egg (use egg replacer or 1 Tbsp chia seeds and 2 Tbsp water)
- 1 cup milk (or non-dairy milk)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (or use ½ cup of berry jam, pineapple compote or whatever you have on hand)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh or dried fruit (like blueberries, raisins, cherries, apples)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
What to do
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish. In a bowl, combine the oats, egg, milk, mashed banana, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir in the fruit and nuts. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and set. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of yogurt or sour cream. This is one of our all-time favorites! It is SO GOOD and you can make it differently every time by changing up the ingredients. For added protein top with nut butter.