It seems like everyone is going back to school this week besides me (ugh!). So, since I can't physically be there, I thought I'd at least try to pretend. For me, back to school means one thing: Oatmeal. I don't know about you, but when I was in high school, I had the same thing for breakfast every morning... two packs of McCann's Irish Oats in Maple & Brown Sugar to be exact. Side note: They blow Quaker out of the water.

Having oatmeal for breakfast is an excellent way to start the day. Oats give you a ton of energy and keep you full for hours. They're low in fat, full of protein, and best of all high in fiber, so they really get your system going in the morning if you know what I mean ;) When I got to college, tracking down my Maple & Brown Sugar packets became difficult, so I wanted to see if I could come up with my own recipes that were a bit healthier. I made a list of my favorite ingredients and got to work. These oats are 100% guilt free and loaded with natural flavors and nutritious goodness that keep me going all day long!

BB Bread

• 1/2 cup (gluten free) rolled oats

• 1 cup almond milk

• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed

• 1 tsp maca powder (optional - I add a little bit of this superfood to almost everything! It's 100% natural and great for boosting energy levels and balancing hormone/stress levels.)

• 1/2 very ripe banana sliced

• 1 tbsp almond butter

• 1/4 cup blueberries (I usually just use frozen!)

• 3 pitted medjool dates chopped

• Sprinkle of cinnamon

Over low heat, combine oats, almond milk, ground flaxseed, maca powder, and sliced banana in a sauce pan. Stir until combined, then mix in the almond butter and blueberries one at a time. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes or until mixture thickens. Top with chopped dates and a sprinkle of cinnamon!

Strawbs & Banana (Overnight Oats)

• 1 cup almond milk

• 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt (can substitute coconut/almond milk yogurt to make it dairy free)

• 1 finely mashed ripe banana

• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup (gluten free) rolled oats

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

• 1/3 cup sliced strawberries (plus extra for topping)

• 1-2 tbsp almond butter

Mix together almond milk, greek yogurt, mashed banana, and vanilla in a large bowl. Once combined, stir in oats, chia seeds, and strawberries. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Top with a generous drizzle of almond butter (I microwave mine to make it easier to drizzle) and strawberry slices.

Choco PB Protein Bowl (Overnight Oats)

• 1/2 cup (gluten free) rolled oats

• 1 cup almond milk

• 2 tbsp chocolate protein powder (I use Vega Protein & Greens)

• 1-2 tsp cacao powder (depending on how chocolatey you like it!)

• 1/2 finely mashed ripe banana (optional - I like mine without, but add if you want more sweetness)

• 2 tbsp natural peanut butter

• 1/4 cup chopped strawberries

Combine oats, almond milk, protein powder, cacao, and banana (if you're into that). Refrigerate overnight. Top with a dollop of peanut butter and strawberries. 

Disclaimers:

*All these recipes make one (quite large) serving. Feel free to double/triple as needed.

*Frozen fruit is a great alternative to use in hot oatmeal (for banana - thinly slice when ripe, then freeze).

*I generally use 1:2 oats to liquid ratio or more and let the oats SLOW cook. They will absorb the liquid, you just have to cook them for a bit longer on low heat!

You best believe I'll be back with a Pumpkin Spice recipe in a few weeks... Stay tuned & happy eating!

grace xx