Breakfast of Champions

 

We eat oatmeal nearly every morning. For some that may seem boring, but I say why change a good thing?

It is inexpensive, quick, tasty, filling, hearty, super healthy, keeps the brain and energy going strong and you can make it several ways. I also love it because having different age kids, it was something we all could eat, even our "new to solids" infant. Let's make a few things easier on ourselves; one meal for one family!

OATMEAL
1.5 cups uncooked rolled oats
1/2-1 cup frozen berries
Water to just above oats (Approx. 1 part oats to 1.5 part water)

Place all ingredients in a pot. Cook on stove top on med-low for 10 mins or until all water is absorbed and it starts to bubble.

I got in the habit of using a hand blender and blending to a smooth consistency for the new eater and now the kids are stuck on the blended version. 

Place desired amount in bowl. Add teaspoon almond butter (for children older than 9 months and without a family history of nut allergy) and a heaping teaspoon ground flax seed.

You could also add fresh and/or dried fruit, applesauce, pureed mango, nuts, and/or seeds. I have even snuck veggies into our oatmeal before so the possibilities are endless! ... And clearly far from boring!










   MORE ABOUT THOSE SUPER HEALTHY BENIFITS:

• Full of fiber and protein which is filling, stabilizes blood sugar and keeps energy strong.
• Contains soluble fiber which removes bad cholesterol and aids in preventing heart disease.
• Contains lignans which are thought to aid in preventing cancer and heart disease.
• Contains antioxidants which fight disease and aid in maintaining your health and contains unique elements that have been shown to enhances immune response and fight bacteria.

 

 

 

Cinnamon coconut carob POPCORN

 

This recipe was a quick experiment that became a hit! It is a fun, quick, easy and healthy snack your kids will LOVE!

1 cup air popped popcorn

1 thick pinch of sweetened shredded coconut

15 or so dairy free carob chips

2-3 dashes of cinnamon * A little goes a long way. And you can always add more.

1 sandwich size Ziploc bag

Throw all ingredients in bag, seal and shake!

We like to dance around in our house singing “Shake, rattle and roll” as we are shaking our popcorn mix, but a simple shake of the bag will do... just not quite as much fun.

Chocolate Ice Cream in our house

Let me guess your kids LOVE dessert, but dinner, veggies and anything healthy can be a fight. Well here is a dessert they will beg for and one you will offer without hesitation! Don't tell the kids, but this dessert is packed with SUPER FOODS.

SPINACH loaded with disease fighting phytonutrients, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, beta-carotene, and minerals, manganese, zinc and selenium. Spinach is also packed with fiber to help against constipation, strengthens bones, benefits our skin, brain, vision, nervous system, lowers blood pressure and strengthens our immune system.

BERRIES loaded with more disease fighting phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals along with fiber. Spinach and berries are both highly pesticide sprayed foods, so if you can, buying them organic is best.

CAROB is the key to the rich chocolaty flavor in this smoothie. It is packed with antioxidants, reduces cholesterol, improves digestion, improves asthma related issues, contains phosphor and calcium and reduces acid production in the body. All those benefits and chocolate... MORE please! You can also use cocoa powder and get a rich flavor.  If using cocoa use about 2 TBSPN.

FLAX meal is loaded with fiber and omega 3 fats. It is a GMO food, so make sure you buy organic.

Too good to be true, then you MUST try it! YUM!

In our house we don't eat cow dairy and the kids call this chocolate ice cream. We eat this smoothie multiple times per week, but certainly every Wednesday. Wednesday's we celebrate Wacky Wednesday (after a beloved Dr. Seuss book) and have our dessert before dinner. This is the dessert my kids ask for and one I freely give seconds... even before dinner!


 
 Chocolate Smoothie

1  6 oz bag Organic Spinach
2 Cups Frozen Organic or NO Spray Berries (I usually use blueberries)
1 Banana
4 Dates or prunes
1/2 Cup Organic Rice Milk (or other non- dairy milk - You can find at major stores)
3 Tbsp Carob Powder (You can find at Whole Foods, New Seasons and other natural foods stores)
1 Tbsp Organic Flax Meal (You can find at most major grocery stores)
1-2 Cups Ice



Add all ingredients to a high powered blender and blend till smooth.  We have a Vita-mix blender. They are worth their weight in gold because they can tackle any job, but before we were a multiple smoothie a day family we used other various blenders, so do try another if that is what you have. This recipe is too yummy and too healthy to miss!!


If using another blender you may need to blend the spinach, dates, ice and berries separately, adding each additional ingredient once the prior is blended. Also letting your berries thaw slightly will help.

ENJOY!