Morning Quick Oats

After making the Overnight Oats recently, I've had oats on my mind.  I didn't get my act together to do the overnight version this weekend, but then I thought, wait, they're quick oats - I can make them right now!  I love foods that have a lot of flexibility, basically you can dump in whatever you want into oats and not mess them up.  Here is my recipe, but really, play around with different ingredients - use what you have.

• 1/2 cup quick oats (prepared as directed)
• 1/2 cup mixed berries (I used blueberries and strawberries)
• 1 Tbs nuts (I used chopped pecans, but almonds would be good too)
• 1 Tbs almond butter
• 1/2 Tbs shredded coconut flakes
• Couple dashes of cinnamon

* If you overcook the oats, just add in splash of almond milk or water

Oats are not only a filling food, but they have great health benefits too.  Oats are shown to lower cholesterol and are a great source of fiber.  Actually, oats can be considered gluten free... depending on the type of sensitivity you have to gluten. Where the issues come in is that oats are usually processed near wheat and end up being cross-contaminated.  So, if you do have celiac disease, just be cautious.

Again, this is a great option for me when I'm trying to stay away from dairy.  It's quick, easy and can be used with pretty much anything you have in your drawers and fridge.

Do yourself a favor and grab some oats the next time you're at the store.  You'll be happy you did when you want a hot breakfast on a cold day - or - you didn't go to the store and phew, you just saw those oats hiding in your cabinet.

Enjoy and don't forget to eat real food!

Love, Lizzie