ABC Oats
When I first began my weight loss journey, I knew I needed to make big changes in the way that I ate. My usual breakfast choices were waffles, cereal, pancakes, pastries, bagels, and yogurt. These are fine in moderation; however, moderation wasn’t in my dictionary.
The pivotal role of breakfast in providing our bodies with the energy we need for the day and optimizing cognitive function underscored the necessity of adopting a more nourishing alternative. An ideal breakfast should incorporate fiber, healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates. Not added sugar that eventually leads to a subsequent energy crash, which then leads to an indulgence in less nutritious snacks to raise our blood sugar once again. Starting the day off on the wrong foot can lead to a domino effect of poor nutrition choices… and when we don’t eat well, we tend to not feel well.
Recognizing the need for substantial lifestyle adjustments, I embarked on a mission to make my favorite foods healthy and on that same note, find ways to make healthy foods taste good!
Oats are where I began! Just by switching out my morning cereal for some oats I drastically cut down my morning sugar intake, added some well needed fiber, and in turn ~ I was FULLER for LONGER. Adding fiber to the diet is incredibly important because fiber supports the absorption of sugar in the body. By slowing down the digestion and absorption of sugars, fiber helps prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar levels that can lead to energy crashes and increased hunger shortly after eating. Instead, it promotes a more gradual and sustained release of glucose into the bloodstream, providing a steady source of energy over time. This is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to manage their blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, and for anyone aiming to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.
SO i knew that this change was important, but it didn’t take long for me to get over the taste of just plain ole oats, as you may have experienced!
So I started playing around with different items: nuts, seeds, nut butters, honey, granola, fruits, protein. Thus was born…ABC Oats!! Everything you need packed into one bowl of oaty goodness!
Please note this meal is designed for those who are doing a heavy workout and could use some extra nutrition support to help their body perform at it’s best.
A – Almond butter! Because who doesn’t love almond butter anything!? Plus it adds some protein which will help you focus better and improve your concentration. Which is helpful when you’ve got a long days work ahead! I also prefer to use crunchy almond butter for a little added texture to my oats!
B – Banana! Looking for an instant energy boost? Bananas are your answer. So by adding them to your oats in the morning before you start your day is a sure fire way to have a productive day without feeling sluggish. They also provide fiber, potassium, calcium, iron, B6, and magnesium (plus many more!). Not sold yet? Bananas can also lower your risk of heart disease, improve metabolism, & fight anaemia! All of this, for just 90 calories. Count. Me. IN!
C – Coconut Manna (butter)!! **Different than coconut oil ~ although you can use coconut oil as a substitute, but trust me you want to experience the magic that is coconut manna! This delicious food is made of coconut meat that is blended to make a creamy butter that is much sweeter than coconut oil. You could spread it on toast, or just enjoy it straight out of the jar! Now let’s talk about the benefits: it’s rich in lauric acid which can boost immunity and fight infections, it’s full of essential amino acids, it can boost your metabolism (which means it aids in weight loss), plus it’s chock full of healthy fats to keep you energized and FULL!! Need I go on?
I finish it off with some optional local organic honey and of course some chia seeds for added omega-3’s and I’ve got myself a balanced breakfast perfect for those busy days where I’m not only moving my body to exercise, but also running around for work!
ABC Oats
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 C Rolled Oats
1 C Almond Milk
1 Banana
1 TBSP No Salt Added Almond Butter (Crunchy, if you like that sorta thing)
1 TBSP Coconut Manna (You can substitute coconut oil here ~ but it’s better with coconut manna!) (ps, you can find coconut manna near coconut oil in most grocery stores!)
1 TBSP Chia Seeds
1 TSP Local Organic Honey (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Heat almond milk on high
Once boiling, add oats and reduce heat to medium
Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally
Remove from heat and cover for 3 minutes
2 OPTIONS FOR BANANA – Option one: In a separate bowl, mash banana with a fork until creamy. Option two: While still in the peel, squeeze banana up and down (being careful not to break the peel) until it gets semi mushy. Then add it to oats and mush it around in the oats until the mixture is smooth.
Add the rest of the ingredients.
Stir and ENJOY!
