Breakfast is undoubtedly my favorite meal of the day! However, it’s usually the most challenging time of day to have a good meal. Mama always said it was the most important meal, but most of us are rushed to get going. I have become a huge fan of poached eggs, and even though they are somewhat easy to prepare I hate messing up the kitchen first thing in the morning, especially during the week!
I have tried several overnight oatmeal recipes, and these are my favorite! Not only are they delicious, but they are also packed with health benefits! According to Mayo Clinic, eating whole grains has been linked to a reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancer. Chia has too many health benefits to list. However, just to name a few, they are said to improve memory, mood, and overall energy, helps control appetite, lower cholesterol and blood pressure! The following list is what put chia on the map for me more than anything though.
3 x’s more antioxidants than blueberries
3 x’s more iron than spinach
3 to 5 x’s more calcium than milk
8 x’s more omega 3s than salmon
15x more magnesium than broccoli
With just five ingredients you will have these oats mixed and in the refrigerator in no time! I found this recipe on minimalistbaker.com. I love visiting her blog! She has tons of healthy recipes and her photography is remarkable! For a filling breakfast that will not leave you starving in a couple of hours I think this is well worth 7 points. If you are concerned that 7 points may take you over your daily limit try using peanut butter powder and stevia. You can also leave the chia seeds out for one point less.
- ½ c. unsweetened plain almond milk
- ¾ tbsp. chia seeds
- 2 tbsp. natural peanut butter, almond butter, or peanut butter powder
- 1 tbsp. maple syrup, coconut sugar, brown sugar, honey, or stevia
- ½ c. old-fashioned rolled oats
- Toppings: fresh sliced banana, fresh sliced strawberry, fresh raspberries
- In a mason jar or small bowl add the almond milk, chia seeds, peanut butter, and sweetener and stir to combine. Leaving some peanut butter in large bites is a nice treat.
- Add oats and stir slightly. Press down the oats with with back of a spoon to ensure all oats are in milk mixture.
- Cover with lid or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight or at least 6 hours.
- The next day, remove from refrigerator, top as desired and enjoy!
Made as written with natural peanut butter and stevia Weight Watchers Smart Points = 11 points
Decrease the oats and milk to ⅓ cup each and use peanut butter powder and stevia for Weight Watchers Smart Points = 5 points
