Protein-Packed Breakfast Oatmeal Pudding

Yes, the resolutions, goals and self-help articles are everywhere this week. It can be inspiring or intoxicating. But, the bottom line is that we as humans are always on the pursuit to bettering ourselves. At least the majority of us. We can't wait to hear the latest diet craze or some creative organizing tips. And, hearing about others problems, goals and ideas can be really inspiring to our own...problems, goals and ideas.

Sometimes this pursuit seems to leave us feeling like we just can't get to where we want to be. Can't hit the goal weight...or get healthy... or take time for yourself. I can identify with this. I can be really hard on myself for the silliest of things and I am also undeservedly impatient with myself. I should allow a little grace with myself.  I should, but I don't always. We all should. You may know what I mean. That is why when new year's goals come around I always try to balance my goals with some wiggle room. And I am reminded that each little baby step in the right direction is something to celebrate. 

Baby steps. 

With baby steps you are not trying to conquer your goals in one day. You are not trying to become the healthiest person alive in a short season of life. Realizing this life and these changes are a apart of a journey. And the journey means you are given the chance to make little choices here and there to make a bigger difference. You can't take everything that you want to change in your life and not add something in it's place. If you are going to restrict, take away or discipline, you have to 'add-in' as well.

Add in something.  Instead of thinking about what you need to take away, think about what you can add-in. Simple.

A little tweek. A little baby step in the right direction.

As I mentioned before in my 2012 hopes, I would like to start the year off with some "Add-In" posts. Adding in a certain food or ingredients here and there to take the baby steps you need to make the change happen. It doesn't happen overnight, but then one day you will look back and realize how far you have come. Like switching from processed foods to whole grains. Or from packaged to homemade. It takes time. So with adding in a quick, simple breakfast like this... you will be making one choice and tweek for your health. 

This simple breakfast pudding has 5 main ingredients. And you can create it and sweeten it to your liking. If you are eating mostly all gluten-free packaged cereals or waffles for breakfast, I would encourage you to make this cereal just one day a week and see if eating the whole grains and healthy seeds make a difference for your energy.

Add in some seeds: Hemp, Chia or Flax. Individually or separate, these seeds are packed full of power, protein and contain so much good for your body.

Hemp, Chia and Flax all have amazing amounts of Omega-3's. Good healthy fats that help your brain, organs and body function with vibrance and health. Hemp contains all known 20- amino acids and is an easy digestible plant protein source. Chia contains more calcium than milk and flax is known to help with bone health. All of these seeds have a amazing protein, fiber, and healthy-fat content. Just research them for yourself and you will come up with many many reasons to add these power-house foods to your life. And, what better way to keep you going through a busy morning than lots of food protein, healthy fats and fiber?

Overnight Protein-Packed Breakfast Pudding Recipe

1/2 cup of certified gluten-free rolled oats (I used Bob Red Mill's)
1 heaping TB of chia seed or chia seed meal (I used Nature's Earthly Choice's)
1 heaping TB of flax seed meal (I used bulk whole seeds from health store that I grind at home)
1 heaping TB of shelled whole hemp seeds (I used Nutiva's)
1 cup of non-dairy milk (coconut or hemp are my first choices)

Put all of the above ingredients in a glass bowl. I sometimes choose to mix in the chia seeds as meal (ground up seeds) because it is easier for my son to eat. But you can add the chia seeds either ground or whole and come up with the same pudding-like results. Mix with a spoon and then put in the fridge to sit overnight (or at least 2-3 hours). Then when you wake in the morning you have your oatmeal ready without cooking. You can eat cold, or warm it on the stovetop for a few minutes. Serve with more non-dairy milk and your choice of sweetener. Some good no-sugar sweeteners would be: apple or pear butter, fresh or frozen berries, maple syrup, stevia, honey or more fresh fruit. This pudding is dairy free, but if you eat dairy you could also add a dollup of greek yogurt along with the fruit for more ideas.

It is that simple. Mix the 5 ingredients in a glass bowl before you go to bed and when you wake up you have breakfast ready right away. Also, you can make this ahead of time for the whole week in mason jars. If you have 5-pint sized jars you could pre-mix all of the ingredients and store in the fridge all week for each morning's breakfast.

So there it is. A baby step. Whether you 'add-in' a whole grain (oatmeal) or eat a breakfast of fresh healthy seeds, or whether you grab onto the idea to make this simple breakfast all week for the life-on-the-go. Some more simple and healthy breakfast recipes: Hemp Berry Smoothie, Quinoa-Millet- Kasha Porridge, Raw Breakfast Muesli.

I made a double bowl of pudding for me and my son. We shared this yummy healthy breakfast over some fresh sunlight and a cup of tea. It is such a great way to start the day. Brightens your spirits and feeds your body. The saying of how breakfast is the most important meal of the day should be introduced to this simple pudding. I think they would get along :)

Much love and light to you this week!