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.

Enter: Chia Pudding

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.

Peanut Butter Banana Chia pudding

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.

PHFF STATS:

PROTEIN: Protein powder

HEALTHY FAT: all natural peanut butter

FIBER: Chia seeds + banana

Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding

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

1. Using 2 small containers (I love the tiny mason jars) with lids, pour in 1 Tbsp of peanut butter into each container.

2. Divide banana slices evenly among containers and layer on top on peanut butter.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk remaining ingredients really well until incorporated.

4. Pour evenly into containers. Secure with a lid. And refrigerate overnight.

5. These last in the fridge for up to 2 days before the banana starts to get really mushy.

6. 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.