We have all heard the age old words “breakfast is the most important meal of the day!” My Mom used to recite that phrase every morning as she chased me out the door to the school bus with a glass of Carnation Instant Breakfast (the only thing she could get me to choke down in the morning).
It took me years to start a practice of eating in the morning. Putting food in my mouth first thing in the morning made my stomach hurt…. not to mention that I was never a huge fan of breakfast foods. Instant oatmeal was bland, cereals were not exactly what I was craving at 6 am, and there was no chance I was getting eggs bacon and toast unless I was heading to a diner first thing in the morning (ain’t nobody got time for that!)
I finally started eating breakfast when I began my health journey and learned the importance of kickstarting my metabolism first thing in the morning. I started practicing chugging a full glass of water as soon as I woke up, and following it with whatever easy breakfast I could find.
I was very skeptical at first of the importance of a breakfast, but lo and behold, once I started eating breakfast my life did change! I had more energy, I actually started losing a few pounds, and I wasn’t as cranky or groggy when I got to work.
Once I got on the breakfast train I couldn’t help but expand my morning menu. I’ve always been pretty excited about cooking, but the breakfast world was pretty limited to me. Sure I could make myself some scrambled eggs but other than that, it was cereal and almond milk.
I started with smoothies, omelettes, and avocado toast, but I have also expanded into the world of homemade oats.
For my entire life I was under the impression that homemade oatmeal must be super difficult… I mean why else would everyone choose super processed, cardboard flavored, instant oats? Well folks… I was SO wrong!
Who new making your own oatmeal takes only 10 minutes and can taste like heaven in a bowl?! You can make so many different flavors, add any toppings you want, and sweeten them with maple syrup, honey or agave without sacrificing health!
Some of my favorite homemade oatmeal’s include apple cinnamon, pumpkin spice, banana peanut butter, and my latest obsession Chocolate Berry!
Chocolate berry has become a favorite not only for its delicious taste, but for its health benefits! It is choc full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and is sure to leave you satisfied! Not only is it delicious, nutritious and chocolates, it’s one of the easiest breakfasts to whip up! So follow along with the recipe and enjoy!
Here’s what you’ll need for 1 serving:
1/2 cup oats
1/2 tsp cacao powder
1 banana mashed (optional but so good!)
1tsp maple syrup
1/2 cup berries
1 Tbs pecans
Coconut flakes for garnish
1/2 tsp cinnamon
- First you’ll need to bring one cup of water to a boil, and then add in your oats and reduce to a simmer.
- Allow the oats to simmer for about 3 minutes, or until the oats appear to be thickening. Once this happens add in that mashed banana. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients, stirring well. Cool for another 2 minutes or until the oatmeal has reached your desired thickness. You may choose to wait to add the berries until the end, which will keep them from breaking up in the mixture (which I prefer), or to save a few to add as topping!
- Once your oats appear fully cooked, remove them from the stove, top with your coconut flakes and any remaining berries for garnish and enjoy!
I literally can’t stop making this recipe. It’s simple, delicious, and highly nutritious! It only takes about 10 minutes to whip up, and leaves me full and happy (not to mention I get to eat chocolate before I even start my day!)
I hope you enjoy this yummy breakfast treat! Get creative and swap out pecans for you’re favorite nuts, choose whatever berries you like, and garnish with whatever toppings you see fit! It’s your breakfast, so make it the way you like it!
If you try this out, let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear from you!
Happy cooking!
– Love & light,
Rachael
That Cultivated Life 