I am a huge breakfast lover. I often find myself contemplating my morning meal while slowly drifting off to sleep. You may not be as breakfast obsessed as I am, yet there are a multitude of reasons why you should be. Eating breakfast boosts your metabolism, improves focus, prevents overeating at lunch and dinner, and helps to promote a healthy, happy weight. The start of the school year is the perfect time to initiate breakfast habits that will stay with you year round. Even if you are not heading to class or do not have a little one to prep for, September is the ideal time to integrate healthy and simple rituals into your daily life.
Oatmeal is a forever staple in my breakfast repertoire. It is easy, filling, full of fiber and protein, and adaptable to various dietary preferences. This recipe for banana nut oatmeal takes no more than 15 minutes. If you don't have 15 morning minutes to spare, prep your oatmeal the night before. Eat it cold or simply reheat for a satisfying, and slightly sweet breakfast that will healthily fuel you through the morning rush.
Banana Nut Oatmeal
serves 2
- 1 cup extra thick rolled oats (Gluten-free, if needed. I like Bob's Red Mill)
- 2 cups water or milk of your choice + additional for serving or reheating
- 1 medium sized banana cut into slices
- 2 tsps cinnamon (less if you prefer)
- 1 tsp vanilla bean powder (I like this brand)
- 1 tbsp grade b pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup raw walnuts
Additional toppings:
- chia seeds
- hemp seeds
- ground flax seeds
- bee pollen
- 1 tbsp yogurt per serving
- 1 tbsp seasonal berries per serving
Method
- In a small pot, bring 2 cups water or milk of your choice to a boil. Add oats, banana, cinnamon, vanilla bean powder, and maple syrup. Reduce heat to medium-low. As oats cook, mash banana slices until they are well integrated with the oatmeal and the spices. Cook for 10 minutes until oats are tender.
- While oats are cooking, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry cast iron pan or in the oven. Check often to avoid burning. No oil is needed to toast since the nuts naturally contain oil and fat. Roughly chop nuts, if you prefer smaller pieces.
- To serve - transfer oatmeal into two bowls, finish with selected toppings and additional milk, if desired.