Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

The first thing I wanted to eat for breakfast after getting home from a week in Arkansas was oatmeal that hadn't been zapped in a hotel microwave. Cue overnight oats. The cold, flavorful oats were a nice change from my plain, hot oats from the past week.

If you try to cram a lot into your mornings and need a quick breakfast, overnight oatmeal is a great solution. Just take a few minutes at night to prep them and then you'll be all set to run out the door with a healthy breakfast. 

To be honest, the last time I got sick it was right after having peanut butter. I couldn't eat it for a week or so without having some kind of physical reaction to the thought of it. Thankfully, I got over that food aversion pretty quickly and was excited to enjoy this simple and delicious combination. 

Four ingredients.

Mix and pour into a jar.

Let sit overnight.

Done.

Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

(Serves 1)

 Ingredients:

· 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal

· 1 tablespoon chia seeds

· 1/4 cup peanut flour

· 3/4 cup almond milk

Directions:

1. Pour all of the ingredients into a mason jar or bowl and mix well.

2. Let sit for 4 hours or over night.

3. Stir before eating.

4. Enjoy!

Eat Consciously,

     Faith

How to Use Buckwheat Groats (A Breakfast Recipe)

Ever heard of these? I hadn't until a few months ago. As you may know I'm an oatmeal lover and love having a big bowl of oats every morning. Really anything "grain-like" is my ideal breakfast so when I heard of buckwheat groats I figured I should see what they were all about.

I was happy to find that Buckwheat Groats are full of fiber and protein and low in fat and sugar. 1 serving of these bad boys (1/4 cup) has 5 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. Hello nutrients! You can use Buckwheat Groats to replace rice or other grain dishes or you can even grind it into flour. Me, being the breakfast lover that I am, decided to try them out in overnight oatmeal.

An easy way to use Buckwheat Groats is by soaking them overnight in water so that they soften up, but are still a little crunchy. All you do is place 1/4 cup of Buckwheat Groats in a bowl, cover them with water and place the bowl in your fridge overnight or for 8 hours. 

In the morning, pour the groats into a strainer and rinse them well. This gets rid of the sliminess that forms overnight. I know that isn't the most appealing description for a breakfast food, but once you rinse them you'll be good to go...no more sliminess.

Once you've rinsed them you can add them to cereal, cooked oatmeal or on top of a smoothie. For this post I used Angela's Buckwheat Parfait recipe from Oh She Glows for inspiration. I made a chocolate version by adding 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to my chia seed mixture. You can use any overnight oatmeal recipe. Then in the morning just stir in your soaked and rinsed Buckwheat Groats and you're good to go. 

Eat your oatmeal/groat mixture as is or spruce it up by making a parfait with fruit or top it off with some granola or nuts. The ski's the limit!

Eat Consciously,

     Faith

Cocoa Craisin Overnight Oats

I know. I'm sorry. Another oatmeal recipe. But in my defense, I don't think I've shared many overnight oatmeal recipes yet. And you can't go wrong with chocolate for breakfast right?

Overnight oats are a great option for those crazy busy mornings when you know you won't have a lot of time to get ready. They just take a few minutes the night before and in the morning they're all ready for you to enjoy. Since you make them in a cup or jar you can even eat them on the road if you're really in a rush--as long as you drive safe now ya hear?!

One of my favorite things about these overnight oats are the chia seeds. I actually don't think you should even make overnight oats without chia seeds. They make it or break it for me. If you've never tried chia seeds before you really should go pick some up now. They are chalk full of fiber, protein and healthy fats. Even better, when soaked in liquid they expand and gel up so that you get a tapioca-like texture. Glorious. 

Try this combination out and tell me what you think!

Cocoa Craisin Overnight Oats

(Makes 1 Serving)

 Ingredients:

· 1/2 cup oats

· 1 tablespoon chia seeds

· 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, scant

· 2 teaspoons liquid sweetener of choice or 4 drops liquid stevia

· 1 tablespoon craisins

· 3/4 cup almond milk

· Optional toppings: more craisins, sliced banana, almonds...really whatever you want!

Directions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients (expect the optional toppings) in a jar and mix well.

2. Place the jar in the fridge over night or for a few hours.

3. When ready to eat, stir the mixture or pour it into a bowl and top with additional toppings!

Have you ever had overnight oats before? 

What's your favorite breakfast food?

Eat Consciously,

     Faith