A Healthy (and DELICIOUS) Way to Start the Day!

Hello again, friends! Back so soon? Yes, yes I am. I just had to tell you all about a new instant classic...

I'm still focusing on eating clean, but I wanted something fast, easy, WARM and tasty for breakfast. The answer? Overnight oatmeal...

I had a long day yesterday, worked the day job, school in the evening, home to clean up after my messy boys and walk the furry ones. I was tired and hungry and trying to think of what I could put together for breakfast and lunch the next day.

So, I sat down and did what any red blooded American would do. I Googled. "Clean Breakfast Options"... and viola! An idea was born.  Now, this is not the first time I thought of crock pot oatmeal. I mean, I've seen it on Pinterest boards - haven't you?  So, I decided to peruse the recipes until I found one that I could easily modify to meet my clean standards. Oh, and my taste buds.

Here's the one I pulled up (Originally posted here...)

And how I modified it...

Overnight Oatmeal

Ingredients

• 2 apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2-1/2 to 3 cups chopped (I used Pink Lady apples - they are my FAV!)
• 1-1/2 cups fat-free milk (I like unsweetened almond milk)
• 1-1/2 cups water
• 1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats (I used slightly more - about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or substitute maple syrup or other desired sweetener - I used a combination of natural molasses and local honey)
• 1-1/2 tablespoons butter, cut into 5-6 pieces (optional) <--- skipped it!
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (more like 1 Tablespoon!)
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seed (more like 1/4 cup)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional garnishes: chopped nuts, raisins, maple syrup, additional milk or butter (I added natural craisins and nutmeg, and had slivered almonds... that I sadly forgot to add)

Directions

Coat inside of 3-1/2 quart (or larger) slow cooker with cooking spray (I used olive oil spray). Add all ingredients (except optional toppings) to slow cooker. Stir, cover, and cook on low for approx. 7 hours (slow cooker times can vary). Spoon oatmeal into bowls; add optional toppings, if desired. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Freezes well.

To reheat single servings: Put 1-cup cooked oatmeal in microwave proof bowl. Add 1/3 cup fat-free milk. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir. Continue cooking for another minute, or until hot.

Recipe can be doubled in 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Increase cooking time 1 hour.

I brought my breakfast concoction to the Studio where I workout for our 5am TRX class. We finished our workout (which was awesome - ever tried the TRX Rip Trainer?!) and then I served up some breakfast for the gang. It was a hit! I even left the crock there so other clients could enjoy a hearty, healthy, and CLEAN breakfast. Pretty awesome of me. Except now I have no yummy breakfast for tomorrow. Good thing I'm a resourceful woman - and I have my Isa-Lean shakes to get me through!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this recipe. I surely did! What are some other recipes you love for breakfast? What optional ingredients should I try for my next batch of Overnight Oatmeal? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Share the yummy love with your family, friends and coworkers! We're all happier with yummy and good food in our tummies!

Until next time, friends!

<3 Jen