I’ve seen so many morning oatmeal recipes - and they all look amazing.  The only problem is - since they are usually cooked - I can’t take them on the run as I head out the door.  I’m sure as you look at these photos, you might be turning up your nose at those little grey dots.  Don’t think about it - you won’t taste them, and they are nutritional powerhouses in miniature.

I’ve been adding chia seed to my smoothie each day - and besides it’s amazing nutritional benefits - I love how it stays with me much longer.  The chia seed, once hydrated - becomes slippery and holds moisture (remember “Chia Pets”?)  It’s loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids (much more than flax seed).  Chia seeds absorb up to 10 times their weight in water - so they are great for maintaining hydration.  This makes you feel fuller longer - which is a help in weight loss.  Since they are take on the flavors in a recipe - they don’t interfere with your taste of the other ingredients.

There are many varieties of “porridge” - but this one is my favorite.  See the recipe source for more ideas.  Some of them may appeal to you more than this one.

Recipe source:  theyummylife.com

Ingredients:

1/4 cup uncooked old-fashioned rolled oats

1/3 cup milk (skim, if you are watching the calories/fat)

1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt

1-1/2 tsp dried chia seeds

1/4 tsp almond extract

1 tsp honey (optional - or substitute any preferred sweetener)

1/4 cup diced fresh mango (approx half of a small mango)

Directions:

In a half pint jar or container - add oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, almnod extract, and honey. 

Tightly attach lid on jar/container and shake until well combined. 

Add mangoes and stir with fork until mixed throughout. 

Return lid to container and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days.

Eat chilled.

207 calories, 4g fat, 47g carbs, 7g fiber, 12g protein

Photo above found on:  theyummylife.com