Breakfast: It's the most oatmeal-y time of the day

By Caitlin

Hi! I’m Caitlin, and I am new to Food Lush. (You: Hiii, Caitlin!)

Well, I should say that I’m a new writer here, but I’ve been reading along at home this whole time.

So! What better way to dive into this new gig than with the first meal of the day?

I am a breakfast person. At least on weekdays, I have to eat breakfast. I am usually starving in the morning, and have found that it’s important to me to get off on the right foot for the rest of the day. It's also important for me to stick to whole foods for breakfast, because I find that I can stay on track better for the rest of the day if I do. I tend to eat oatmeal in the colder months, smoothies in the warmer months. My birthday is in July, and last year my husband got me this thermal oatmeal container (with folded spoon nestled in the top!):

{Photo Credit: Google Images. Because the Starbucks website made me insane.}

I was .... not excited about this. It was July. It was hot and muggy and miserable and I was not into eating oatmeal. But let me tell you, that container has been the best gift ever. So much so that when the weather cooled off and I started using it (and fell in love with it and wanted to leave him for it) my husband went out and got himself one as well. I use it to bring my oatmeal into work every morning. It’s the perfect size to hold one ½ cup serving of oatmeal, and it’s easy-peasy. We set them up -- the night before, if we’re feeling particularly on the ball -- with a ½ cup of regular ole whole rolled oats & a pinch of salt. In the morning we just flip the switch on the electric kettle, and fill it up with the boiling water and a dash of vanilla. By the time I get to work about an hour later it’s ready. 

(Photo Credit: Yours truly.)

That’s the basics. But the fun part for me is the mix-ins. I mean, half a cup of oatmeal isn’t holding anyone over until noon. My add-ins usually come in the form of a nut butter and some fresh fruit. The possibilities are endless though, and one reason I am able to eat oatmeal 5-7 times a week is that it’s possible to make it almost a different meal every time. At my desk at work I keep a jar of cinnamon and always add a heap. I also keep a few different kinds of nut butters (cashew, almond) there and add about a tablespoon. For me it’s the perfect breakfast; well-balanced, tasty, and cheap. 

Fruit: I usually have it with banana, but also like it with pears or berries. (I also love the contrast of cold fruit and hot cereal.)

Nut butters: Maranatha makes my favorites (creamy honey almond butter, no stir chunky almond) but I also like the Whole Foods 365 brand cashew and almond butters, or I make my own. I also dig Artisana coconut butter from time to time. 

Other options: flaked coconut, dried cranberries or raisins, candied or crystallized ginger (chopped), chopped nuts (peanuts, pecans, walnuts), nutella, chocolate chips, cocoa powder.

Bonus: Bob's Red Mill sells gluten free oats for those of you in need.

Are you an oatmeal fan? What's your go-to breakfast? 

Comments

[Elissa]

Welcome to Food Lush! I am a regular oatmeal eater, and I love the idea of adding nut butter, coconut and banana (your photo has me drooling at my desk!). Will definitely have to give that combination a try.

[Kristie]

Welcome my fellow creeper!
First, I LOVE oatmeal and second I DOUBLE LOVE coconut butter. My jar is empty and this makes me cranky everytime I think of it.

[Eli]

Hiii Caitlin!

Oatmeal! Yeah, it's getting late in the season, but it's such a great breakfast. I have some maple syrup and brown sugar around usually, but I'm going to stock up on some fruit and nut butters (tee-hee, that sounds a little dirty) in the future.

[Jen L.]

Welcome, Caitlin! We just became best friends, by the way, because you love oatmeal and coconut. I can tell you're good people. :)

[Maxie]

I'm only an oatmeal fan when someone else makes it for me, but that's kind of how I am with all food.

Glad you're blogging!

[Erica]

I'm so glad you're one of us now! Yea for Caitlin!

I love oatmeal, too. Although, I'm more of a steel cut oats kind of girl. I make mine with a dash of brown sugar, chopped almonds and milk. mmmmm... now I'm starving for breakfast. Thanks a lot.

[Caitlin]

Heyooo, thank you all for the warm welcome!

Elissa, it has cinnamon too! This was definitely one of my favorite combos.

Kristie, maybe if you spent less time creeping and more time shopping for coconut butter...

Eli, Mmmm maple syrup. Good call!

Jen, I have formed friendships over less than oatmeal and coconut. Bring it!

Maxie, come over. I will make you breakfast. (Would it help if I said I'd put vodka in it?)

Erica, I used to be a steelcut girl myself, and ate it with cinnamon, brown sugar, walnuts and raisins. I've been wanting to see if steelcut would work in the container. Perhaps I'll test it this weekend. (And you're welcome!)

[Gabers Grandma]

I love my gluten-free oatmeal. I always add raisins (put in with water and oats so they plump) then at the end add cinnamon, sliced bananas, and chopped walnuts. I also add organic unsweetened coconut often. Pineapple is great too!

[Caitlin]

Gabers Grandma, I love plumping raisins in oatmeal! Your combo sounds delicious.