My Go to Breakfast: Power Packed Oatmeal

I could eat breakfast for any meal of the day (trust me I often do). I don’t know what it is about it that I find so comforting. I just love breakfast foods! That being said, I tend to be a creature of habit when it comes to my everyday breakfast. My obsession with steel cut oats started in University. I wanted a breakfast that would keep me full and energized for a day of classes and then work in the evening. I heard so many great things about steel cut oats, so I thought I would give them a try.

As I needed to make breakfast quickly in the morning and steel cut oats take a longer time to cook than rolled oats, I started making a big batch of oatmeal at the beginning of the week. The great thing about making oatmeal in advance is that you have a nutritious breakfast ready for the week! Steel cut oats are a great source of fibre and protein, so they’ll keep you feeling fuller longer. You can store it in the fridge and just scoop out the portion you want. Pour a bit of water, almond milk, or skim milk on top to thin out the consistency and pop it in the microwave for one minute.  Once done, stir, add your desired toppings, and voilà! I love putting blueberries and almonds on mine. It's the perfect amount of sweetness and crunch!

I’ve recently amped up the nutritional value by adding chia seeds to my oatmeal. Chia seeds are another power food. They are a good source of fibre, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. I add a tablespoon to my oatmeal after heating it with water in the microwave. The chia seeds absorb the moisture and help to thicken the oatmeal. I just love the texture that it adds!

Hope you enjoy this healthy and quick breakfast idea. It only takes a little bit of prep at the beginning of the week, but it’s definitely worth it! Let me know what you think :) 

Ingredients

 Makes 4 servings

-1 Cup steel cut oats

-4 ½ Cups water

-1 Tbsp. chia seeds

-1/4 Cup water, almond milk, or skim-milk (to add to cooked oatmeal before heating it in microwave)

-Dash of cinnamon

-1/4 Cup blueberries

-Handful of almonds

Directions

To cook oatmeal:

1.     Add steel cut oats and 4 and ½ cups water to a medium saucepan.

2.     Cover and bring to a boil. Stir and reduce to medium heat and remove lid. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until water is absorbed. Stir occasionally.

3.     Let cool before storing in airtight container. Store in refrigerator.

To re-heat:

1.     Scoop out ½ cup of cooked oatmeal into a bowl.

2.     Add ¼ cup water to oatmeal.

3.     Heat in microwave for one minute.

4.     Remove bowl and stir to smooth out consistency.

5.     Add chia seeds and stir until they are evenly distributed.

Add blueberries, almonds, and cinnamon. Enjoy!