Oatmeal & Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding Bowl

Oatmeal is an amazing way to start your day because its rich in fiber and will keep you feeling full for hours! People say they don't like oatmeal because it tastes bland or has a nasty texture, but I'm here to prove them wrong. They've probably been eating microwave quick-oats and have never tried real homemade oatmeal with tons of delicious and flavor-packed toppings. If you or someone you know is an oatmeal skeptic you can try to convert them with this recipe! 

The oatmeal itself is quite simple to make and only takes a few minutes on the stove. Adding all of your toppings could tack on some time to this recipe but that's totally up to you for how creative you want to get with it. 

You can also try the Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding recipe on its own as a healthy & sweet snack or dessert. It's both dad & boyfriend approved, so you know its good! 

OATMEAL INGREDIENTS: 

1/2 cup GF rolled oats

2 tsp. Cinnamon

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

2 Tbs. sugar-free Apple Sauce

Pinch of Pink Himalayan Salt

1/2 Tbs. Coconut Sugar

Optional Toppings:

Chia seed pudding (recipe below)

Peaches, blueberries, raspberries

Greek Yogurt (Coconut yogurt for dairy-free vegan option)

Maple syrup

Almond butter

Cacao nibs

Coconut flakes

Nuts/seeds 

HOW TO:

On the stove top mix rolled oats & water according to package instructions (usually 1/2 cup oats to 1 cup water) 

While it's thickening in the pot, add cinnamon, apple sauce, vanilla extract, salt, and coconut sugar. 

*If I'm going to add fruit (peaches are my favorite in oatmeal) I like to throw them in the pot as well to let them get nice and warm. 

When it's reached your desired thickness remove from heat and serve into bowls. 

Top with chia seed pudding (see recipe below), yogurt, fruit, nuts, cacao nibs, coconut, almond butter - whatever you like! 

CHOCOLATE CHIA SEED PUDDING: 

3-4 Tbs. Chia seeds

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

2 Tbs. 100% raw cacao powder (or more if you want it extra chocolatey) 

1 Tbs. honey (or maple syrup/agave)

In a tight-seal container mix 3-4 tablespoons of chia seeds with 1 cup of almond milk. Stir in the raw cacao powder and honey/agave/maple syrup (whatever you prefer)

Stir it up well, seal the jar, and let refrigerate overnight. 

*The ratio of chia seeds to milk is hard to always get perfect so if you find that your pudding is too liquidy after about an hour of refrigeration add more seeds, and if it's too thick add more milk until you reach the perfect consistency.