HEALTH

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and here at GL, we’re always searching for healthy, yummy and nutritious options for our mornings. Our favorite tried and true choice is...oatmeal. Before you say buh-bye to what you may think is a boring brekkie, hear us out. Oatmeal is chock full of fiber and minerals and is a super filling and good-for-you food. It also makes the perf base for any delish toppings you want to add. Here are two easy ways to prepare your daily oats as well our picks for amazing mix-ins to jazz up your breakfast.

5 Minute Oatmeal
We are loving this quick oatmeal recipe from A Beautiful Mess because you can whip it up when you’re in a rush. Try prepping it in a Mason jar with a lid so you can take your breakfast to go!

What you’ll need
⅔ cup quick cooking rolled oats
⅔ cup milk—try almond, coconut or soy milk for dairy-free alternatives
Toppings of your choice—see below for suggestions

Directions
1. Heat up your milk either on the stove for 2-3 minutes or in the microwave for 1 minute.
2. Pour hot milk over oats in a bowl, jar or mug, then cover with aluminum foil. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir and eat.
3. Try adding in fruit like apples, bananas, strawberries or blueberries; nuts and seeds like walnuts, pecans, chia seeds or sunflower seeds; spreads like Nutella, almond butter or jam; and a little sweetener like honey, sugar or maple syrup. Experiment with different combinations!

Overnight Oats
We love overnight oats because you throw all your ingredients together the night before and wake up to an awesome, creamy treat in the morning! This recipe from Back to Her Roots is delish and easy to assemble. 

What you’ll need for basic overnight oats:
½ cup rolled oats
⅔ cup milk
⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon chia seeds
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch of salt
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)

Directions
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, then transfer to a jar with a lid. Refrigerate overnight and mix well before eating in the morning!
2. To amp up your overnight oats, try adding in these topping combos to the basic recipe

+ Carrot Cake: Start with ingredients for basic overnight oats and stir in 1 shredded carrot, 2 tablespoons cream cheese, ¼ cup raisins and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Refrigerate overnight.

+ Pina Colada: Start with ingredients for basic overnight oats and stir in ⅓ cup chopped pineapple, ⅓ cup chopped mango, ½ mashed banana and 2 tablespoons coconut flakes. Refrigerate overnight.

+ Peanut Butter Chocolate: Start with ingredients for basic overnight oats and stir in ½ mashed banana, 2 tablespoons peanut butter and 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Refrigerate overnight.

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Let us know in the comments below!

Photo credits: A Beautiful Mess, Back to Her Roots

by Morgan Ome | 4/19/2018