Instant Oats No More: Banana Oatmeal

Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bowls

For our next recipe, we wanted to create a fast, easy meal that you can eat for breakfast. A lot of people don't eat breakfast and give a number of excuses why they simply choose to skip this meal; however, with these oatmeal bowls, breakfast will become a meal that you definitely won't want to miss. In addition, this recipe is fast, so you can cook it up in a number of minutes before rushing out the door in the morning to head out to school, the gym, or your workplace. Oatmeal is easily customizable, and you can feel free to add whatever toppings or mix-ins that you desire. Here are two oatmeal recipes that we enjoy eating for breakfast. We decided to provide you with two recipes, for although we are twins, Kimberly and I do not always have the same taste. I have a preference for chocolate, and Kimberly often chooses vanilla when it comes to ice cream, cake, cookies, etc. 

So, say goodbye to your instant oatmeal, and make one of these delicious bowls instead. It will only take a few extra minutes, and your stomach will thank you! We have cut out as much sugar as possible, relying on natural sugar that is present in mashed banana to sweeten the oats. Oatmeal is full of fiber, which is sure to help you stay full until lunchtime!

Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bowls

Yields 1 serving

Cooks for 1.5 minutes

Oatmeal

            1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

            2/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or skim milk

            1/2  banana, mashed

Toppings/ Mix-ins for Chocolate Peanut Butter Oats

            1 tsp cocoa powder

            1/4 tsp cinnamon

            1/4  tsp vanilla extract

            1/2 cup strawberries, sliced

            1/2 banana, sliced

            1 tbsp creamy peanut butter or nut butter

            1 tbsp dark chocolate chips

Toppings/ Mix-ins for Coconut Brown Sugar Oats

            1/4 tsp cinnamon

            1/4  tsp vanilla extract

            1 tsp light or dark brown sugar

            1/2 cup strawberries, sliced

            1/2 banana, sliced

            1 tbsp sweetened coconut flakes

            1/2 tbsp peanut butter, melted

Directions

1.    Add oats and almond milk to bowl. Microwave for approximately 1.5 minutes until the oats are fluffy.

2.    Remove from microwave and stir. Mash 1/2 banana in a separate bowl using a fork. Add in mashed banana, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

3.    Add in either brown sugar or cocoa powder depending on which oatmeal recipe you are making. Stir again until ingredients are thoroughly combined.

4.    Top oatmeal with sliced strawberries, remaining 1/2 banana, peanut butter, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or anything else you desire.