
I hate oatmeal.
Let’s get that out of the way.
I know I’m probably in a minority here? Sometimes I make it because I think it sounds good and I take 2 bites and just throw it out. I don’t know. I used to be OBSESSED with it so I probably just overdid it.
As much as I love a good plate of eggs in the morning, sometimes they’re just not terribly convenient.
And I also know I’m a weird breed of people who does not have a sweet tooth, and a lot of you guys crave something on the sweet side in the AM so I wanted to come up with something fast, easy, portable and SWEET…that wasn’t oatmeal.
Now, I’m not banning oatmeal from NA just because I don’t like it. I just don’t think oatmeal is always a super great choice in the morning for your blood sugar unless you’re someone who requires a lot of carbs first thing (like if you get a tough workout in early in the morning).
The majority of us don’t need a lot of carbs in the morning and will actually feel a lot better and stay more energetic without them.
Do you ever eat a big bowl of oats when you wake up and feel sluggish or hungry by mid-morning? Or do you eat the bowl and feel overly full afterward? That’s pretty common.
Oatmeal does have fiber, which is great, but in general, it’s a lot of carbs to be hitting your system after your blood sugar has dropped all night. So it’s nice to give it a break and ease in with some lighter carbs and lots of protein and healthy fats first thing in the morning.
So, I’ve got an alternative for you.
I did NOT come up with the idea for chia pudding. I wish I did, I’d probably be really cool and famous.
Chia seeds are these magical little seeds that expand in water and create a pudding consistency that you’ll love. I say they’re magical because they are L-O-A-D-E-D with fiber, healthy fat, protein and antioxidants. I mean, they’re kind of the perfect food? Except that just eating chia seeds would be pretty bland and lame. But you definitely need some chia in your life.
PROTEIN: Protein powder
HEALTHY FAT: all natural peanut butter
FIBER: Chia seeds + banana
Author: Megan Kober, RDN, LD
Prep time: 5 mins
Total time: 5 mins
Serves: 2
Your morning oatmeal alternative. Chia seeds are higher in fiber, healthy fat, protein and antioxidants than regular ass oatmeal – up your morning routine.
Ingredients
1/4 c all-natural peanut butter (only the all-natural, runny peanut butter will work for this recipe – JIF will not)
1 small banana, thinly sliced
3/4 c unsweetened vanilla almond milk
3 1/2 Tbsp chia seeds
1 1/3 scoops vanilla protein
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
Using 2 small containers (I love the tiny mason jars) with lids, pour in 1 Tbsp of peanut butter into each container.
Divide banana slices evenly among containers and layer on top on peanut butter.
In a separate bowl, whisk remaining ingredients really well until incorporated.
Pour evenly into containers. Secure with a lid. And refrigerate overnight.
These last in the fridge for up to 2 days before the banana starts to get really mushy.
Top with extra peanut butter and banana when it’s time to eat, if you want.
Serving size: 1 jar
Fat: 18, Carbohydrates: 24, Sugar: 7, Fiber: 11, Protein: 20
Notes
Feel free to use whatever nut butter you have on hand.