Oatmeal....healthified

Even though oatmeal is associated with a healthy breakfast, unfortunately the majority of people don't prepare it the way it should be eaten. For example, adding heavy cream is a popular thing to do, and makes the oatmeal very rich. Also brown sugar is the #1 sweetener that is used in making oatmeal delicious...also not healthy. A fast timesaver in the mornings, instant oatmeal is literally THE WORST oatmeal ever, nutritionally speaking. So now you are probably scratching your head thinking, great, either I can't eat oatmeal ever again, or if I do it will taste horrible. But don't worry, I've got you covered. I love eating hot oatmeal, especially in the the winter. It's the perfect breakfast and way to start your day. Here is a 5 minute (no joke) recipe that will restore your faith in oatmeal.

5 Minute Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

1/2 c rolled oats

quarter of an apple diced (leave skin on)

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 TBSP almond butter

1 tsp honey or desired sweetener

1. Boil one cup of water in small saucepan

2. Add oats and apples

3. Allow to cook until all moisture is absorbed and apples are soft (around 4 minutes)

4. Remove from heat and add cinnamon, almond butter and honey.

The Best Breakfast Smoothie....Ever

A few years ago my husband and I stayed at a super swanky hotel in Southern California. After our spa treatments, I ordered a Blueberry Chia and Lemon Smoothie from the spa menu. Let me tell you, it was life changing. I feel like blueberry and lemon are an obvious flavor combo, but chia? Genius. Here is my version of this delicious concoction.

Lemon Blueberry Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened almond milk 

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

handful of frozen blueberries

1 tsp chia seeds

¼ lemon diced (with peel on but remove seeds)

½ frozen banana

5 ice cubes

1. Blend!

 XO,

Veggie Lisa

Coconut Greek Yogurt Parfait

My girl Chelsey over at Housewife to Hostess and I teamed up to bring you a series of drool worthy, healthy breakfast recipes to get your 2016 resolutions off to a great start! After developing these recipes, I headed over to her house for some feedback and to stare at her gorgeous kitchen. This first recipe is my favorite. In fact when I left Chelsea's house I came home and whipped up a batch to have on hand. It's...that...good...folks. I mean, you really can't go wrong with creamy coconut and fresh berries. The best part is it's low in sugar, high in protein and tons of antioxidants from the berries. 

Coconut Greek Yogurt Parfaits

1 cup non fat plain Greek yogurt

1 TBSP Truvia baking blend

 ( adjust to desired sweetness level)

splash of coconut extract

fresh blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, or raspberries

finely shredded unsweetened coconut flakes

1. Mix together yogurt, extract, and Truvia. Allow to sit in fridge for 20 minutes or until trivia granules have dissolved.

2. In parfait cup layer yogurt, berries, yogurt and more berries on top

3. Top with unsweetened coconut flakes

Enjoy! XO,

                        Veggie Lisa