Looking for easy portable breakfast ideas? With so many options on the grocery store shelf, you might be confused at which make-ahead portable breakfast is best for you.
Oatmeal is a GREAT breakfast that you can have again … and again … and again! There are so many ways to mix it up to be sweet, or savory, or both!
In this blog post, we share a few ideas on how to diversify your regular old oatmeal into something chef-worthy! ;)
And of course, any of these fixin’s are amazing on Proper Good Perfectly Plain Oatmeal! Stock up on this versatile, al-dente style oatmeal and give each of these delicious combos a try.
Almond butter and banana
Almond butter is a creamy, absolutely scrumptious topping for your oatmeal. Plus, there are numerous health benefits of almond butter! This tasty spread is high in monounsaturated fats, which help lower LDL (aka bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (aka good) cholesterol. Almond butter is also thought to improve overall heart health and lower the risk of heart disease.
And don’t even get us started on how much we LOVE bananas on top of oatmeal! This potassium rich fruit has tons of fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C.
Try melting a tablespoon of almond butter in the microwave for a few seconds and drizzling it on top of your oatmeal. Then, cut up the banana into small chunks and layer on top. Voila!
Banana coconut
Okay, okay, so you already know about our obsession with bananas on top of oatmeal! But what about coconut?
Even in the dead of winter, coconut can make any meal feel like a tropical paradise. Like, sitting on a beach chair, the sea breeze blowing kind of paradise.
In fact, coconuts are high in good-for-you fats as well as other important minerals like manganese, copper, and iron. This helps form and protect red blood cells.
When it comes to eating this tasty banana/coconut duo on top of your oatmeal, we recommend slicing the banana up into small chunks. Then, shave the coconut into fine flakes and put 1 tablespoon on top of the banana.
Carrot cake
Yes, carrot cake is normally decadent and delicious but filled with refined sugars. However, there are several ways to get that mouth watering carrot cake taste without the high sugar content!
Carrots are an amazing source of beta carotene, which promotes eye and skin health. Plus, carrots are rich in vitamin K and potassium. Who knew this little orange veggie was so good for you?!
Make this healthy carrot cake recipe as directed and crumble on top of your oatmeal for a delicious twist. Unconventional? Yes! But we don’t always play by the rules. ;)
Sun dried tomatoes and pesto
To anyone who loves sun dried tomatoes–this one’s for you! Sun dried tomatoes are a unique vegetable because they’ve had most of their moisture removed through a several days-long drying process. They have a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including lycopene, which is a very powerful antioxidant.
Though research is still being done on this antioxidant, lycopene is thought to protect your skin from the sun and lower your risk of some cancers. Sun dried tomatoes are also amazing for digestive health! In fact, just 100 grams of sun dried tomatoes contain more than 40 percent of the average person’s recommended intake of fiber.
When mixed with pesto, sun dried tomatoes become pure tasty magic! While pesto packs an extra punch of antioxidants, it also can help normalize blood pressure and is an excellent source of calcium, which promotes strong bones. While those with dairy sensitivities may want to avoid pesto due to the fact that it usually contains parmigiano reggiano, those without sensitivities may find this topping absolutely delightful on top of their bowl of oatmeal.
Bacon, scallions and egg
When most people think of bacon, they think of the fatty, salt and sugar filled meat. And while there’s nothing wrong with craving that version, those looking for a healthier type of bacon may be interested in trying a sugar-free brand!
This Whole30 approved bacon from Applegate is a favorite kitchen staple for mornings where you may have a few extra minutes to whip up bacon in your frying pan.
When chopped up bacon is paired with cooked scallions and a fried, scrambled, or poached egg–Mmmm! Such a delish combo on top of oatmeal!
Turmeric, spinach and chickpeas
You may be thinking, “Turmeric? On top of oatmeal? Proper Good fam, have you gone nuts?!” But yes! When mixed with cooked spinach and chickpeas, turmeric makes for an incredibly decadent, filling oatmeal topping.
Turmeric has been used for years as a spice AND medicinal herb due to its numerous health benefits. Curcumin is the main ingredient in turmeric, which is best known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Fighting inflammation in the body is incredibly important, especially when it comes to staying healthy year round! Turmeric and curcumin helps protect your body from illness.
Meanwhile, spinach is known to decrease stress, improve eye health, and even prevent heart disease. Chickpeas deserve a whole blog post devoted to them (maybe someday ;)) but to give an overview, chickpeas are key in weight management, improving digestion, and reducing overall risk of diseases.
Combining these three superfoods to go on top of your oatmeal couldn’t be easier! Simply toss the desired amount of each into a pot with ½ cup of water, cover with a lid, and cook on medium heat until the chickpeas are soft, and mash it all together. If you’re craving a creamier texture, you can replace the water with cashew milk!
Feeling hungry yet? Our mouths are watering and we hope this blog post has inspired you to try some new (and perhaps out of the box!) ingredients on top of your oatmeal.
Bon appetit!
