The Easiest Oatmeal Bowl

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Oatmeal used to be boring to me and would never satisfy me for long, until I realized that the oatmeal is really only the base for a delicious bowl! It took me until college to realize this, when I was living in a dorm and sorority house with only a microwave to use for cooking. Not ideal, I know, but it led me to create the easiest, quickest and most college friendly oatmeal bowl ever, so here it is…

All you need is oatmeal (a packet or 1/2 cup oats with your desired spices), yogurt (of choice) and frozen mixed fruit! I’m weird and don’t like the texture of thick/microwaved oatmeal, so I heat the water first, then pour that into my bowl of oats until I reach my desired consistency. If you’re okay with microwaved oatmeal though, go for it! I then heat the frozen fruit and while that is heating up, I add two spoonfuls of yogurt into my oatmeal. Finally, I pour out the excess liquid from the fruit, scoop it into the oatmeal, stir it all up and enjoy!

You can get as creative as you want to with this oatmeal, adding spices, different fruit, protein powder, collagen peptides or a nut butter of your choice. Whether you choose to get creative with your bowl or keep it simple, it’s an easy breakfast that can be both filling and satisfying, so you can start your day off good!

The Easiest Oatmeal Bowl

The easiest breakfast (and snack) that got me through my first two years of college without a kitchen!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup oats with spices of choice or 1 packet oatmeal
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup water, heated
  • 1/3 cup mixed berries, frozen
  • 1/4 cup yogurt

Directions

  1. Pour oats into your desired bowl and season with spices if desired. I add 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon salt to my oats.
  2. Heat water in the microwave for 1 minute or use a Keurig to heat it. Pour hot water into oats while stirring, until you meet your desired consistency.
  3. Place your frozen mixed fruit of choice into the same mug/bowl you used for water and fill with more water (if necessary) until fruit is nearly covered. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, pour out excess liquid and scoop heated fruit into the oatmeal.
  4. Add yogurt to your bowl, stir it all together and enjoy your easy oatmeal bowl!

This super easy recipe (if you can even call it that) was seriously my go-to in the dorms and sorority house. I even started using the same heated frozen fruit trick to make yogurt parfaits with greek yogurt, mixed fruit, granola, nut butter and honey. So if you need a simple snack that’s easy to make and uses lasting ingredients, give that idea a try too!

–Brit

Dark Chocolate Fall Bark

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This may be the easiest recipe I’ve ever posted on here and really doesn’t even need a recipe to follow, but I still wanted to share it because of how great of a treat it is! This fall bark uses dark chocolate, nuts, seeds and dried fruit to create a healthier treat that is easy to store and grab a bite of when you’re in the mood for a little something sweet. For this recipe, you can easily get creative and make a bark that fits with your preferences and what you might already have in your pantry. The possibilities are endless, but I’m sharing what I used to make mine below.

Health Benefits:

  • Dark chocolate is the healthiest option when it comes to choosing your chocolate, as it is full of antioxidants and other nutrients that have benefits. I started using Enjoy Life chocolate chips because they are made from sustainably harvested cocoa beans, are free from 14 allergens, including dairy, and are certified vegan and FODMAP friendly.
  • Nuts like pecans and walnuts are healthy fats that support hormone balance and regulation, while also offering nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium and selenium.
  • Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are a great source of protein, phosphorous, monounsaturated fats, omega-6 fats, vitamin E and more.
  • Cranberries are high in antioxidants and also provide fiber. Raisins are similarly packed with energy, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Dark Chocolate Fall Bark

  • Servings: 2 cups bark, broken
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This fall bark uses dark chocolate, nuts, seeds and dried fruit to create a healthier treat that is easy to store and grab a bite of when you're in the mood for a little something sweet.

Ingredients

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/8 cup cranberries
  • 1/8 cup golden raisins
  • 1/8 cup pecans
  • 1/8 cup walnuts
  • 1/8 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/8 cup sunflower seeds

Directions

  1. Melt chocolate with coconut oil in 30 second intervals, stirring together each time. I only had to heat it for 1 minute total, then stirred until all melted together.
  2. Pour onto a greased pan or piece of parchment paper and tilt pan to let spread out evenly.
  3. Sprinkle topping of your choice on top of chocolate. I only estimated the amounts of these toppings to give you an idea, so do what you think fits and looks good!
  4. Refrigerate or freeze until solid, then break into pieces. Enjoy at room temperature, or store in the refrigerator or freezer and eat pieces whenever you want. I like to keep them in the freezer, but that’s just me!

This is such a simple idea for a tasty treat that is on the healthier side and I’d love to hear what you think of the idea, especially if you give it a try! A final tip, mix together the toppings to make your own trail mix for an easy snack!!

–Brit

Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

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Another fall recipe with pumpkin and I’m not even sorry or waiting to post this because these are THAT good! I used my Triple Berry Overnight Oats recipe as a base and added in pumpkin and lots of spices. These are super easy to make, taste soo good and makes for the quickest and most convenient breakfast ever! Like I said with my first overnight oats recipe, I was a little skeptical of overnight oats at first because I was worried I wouldn’t like the texture, but these are perfect for me and I think it tastes great whether it’s straight out of the fridge or heated in the microwave.

Health Benefits:

  • Oats and flax seed are a good source of fiber, which is important for our digestive health.
  • Yogurt and milk both provide calcium and protein, essential for our skeletal and muscular systems. You can use whatever types work best for you, whether that’s dairy-free, lactose-free or regular!
  • Pumpkin puree is very high in vitamin A and is a good source of other antioxidants and minerals, as well.
  • Protein powder is an extra boost of protein, but a lot depends on the brand and type you use, so do your research.

Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

  • Servings: 1 1/2 cups
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The perfect recipe for a healthy, easy and delicious breakfast or snack that can be prepped in advance and tastes like pumpkin pie!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1/4 cup walnuts and/or pecans
  • 1 tablespoon flax seed
  • 1 scoop protein powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions

  1. In a mason jar or tupperware with a sealable lid, combine all ingredients. I like to add dry ingredients first, shake well, then add wet ingredients and shake or mix together.
  2. Seal lid and place in refrigerator for 4 or more hours (I recommend overnight).
  3. Enjoy cold or warm. Heat by simply microwaving in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second intervals until heated through.

Whatever the season may be, I hope you find these oats to be a convenient and delicious breakfast or snack, whether you are pressed for time or not. Thanks for checking this post out, and if you try them, let me know what you thought in the comments!

–Brit

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

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This dinner recipe is not one that I would normally think to try, but I was inspired by a similar Hy-Vee recipe that I made while at work. It smelled too good while making it not to give it a little twist and a try! I’m very happy with how it turned out and how easy it was, so it will definitely get added to my meal rotation now.

I made this recipe as a single chicken breast, but it was a large breast so I actually only ate half of it for dinner and saved the rest for left overs. However, this recipe can easily be multiplied to feed many more and would also be a great recipe to throw into a crockpot if that’s your style! I have a hard time adding serving sizes to recipes because what I might consider to be a serving, might not be the same for you or someone else. So, always take servings with grain of salt and understand that it’s okay if you eat more than that and it’s also okay if you eat less than that. Remember that nutrition is individual!

Health Benefits:

  • Chicken breasts are a popular source of protein, as one breast provides an average of 55 grams of protein.
  • Pineapples are very rich in vitamin C and manganese, but also contain antioxidants, digestive enzymes (“bromelain”) and more!
  • Mozzarella cheese is relatively low in sodium compared to other cheeses and provides both calcium and protein.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

  • Servings: 1 chicken breast
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An easy and delicious dinner recipe that is full of flavor and is sure to become a new dinner staple!

Ingredients

  • 1 chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup pineapple, diced
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (I used Primal Kitchen)
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
  2. Place thawed chicken in an oven-safe pan, top with BBQ sauce and rub in slightly. Add green onions, and pineapple on top of chicken, then top with mozzarella. 
  3. Bake in oven for 25-30 minutes (chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165° F).
  4. Remove from oven, serve and enjoy!

–Brit

Triple Berry Overnight Oats

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Not gonna lie, it took me a while to give overnight oats a chance because I was worried about the consistency and usually have time in the mornings to make breakfast. However, I finally gave them a try and honestly I regret not making them sooner! These oats are creamy, fruity, flavorful and most importantly they have a great texture!! Plus, they’re soo easy to make and taste good hot or cold!

This recipe can serve as a great overnight oats base, letting you get as creative with it as you want. Listed below are examples of other add-ins and possible substitutions. For example, I used lactose free milk and a dairy free yogurt alternative because that’s what works best for me, but you should use the products that are available and work best for YOU. Get creative with your meals and remember to mix it up so that you don’t get bored of eating your breakfast! Remember, food is fuel for our bodies, but it is also a creative outlet, something to be enjoyed, is comforting and can bring us together.

Easy Substitutions & Additions:

  • Maple syrup can easily be replaced by honey.
  • Flax seed can be left out altogether or replaced by chia seeds.
  • Milk can be dairy, lactose free, almond, oat, soy– it’s up to you.
  • Yogurt can also be dairy or an alternative of your choice.
  • Spices can be added, like cinnamon, to add flavor and creativity.
  • Bananas and other fruits can also be added or used to replace any berries you don’t have or want.
  • Nut butters are another great addition for both flavor, protein and healthy fats.

Health Benefits:

  • Oats and flax seed are a good source of fiber, which is important for our digestive health.
  • Yogurt and milk both provide calcium and protein, essential for our skeletal and muscular systems.
  • Mixed berries are high in antioxidants, vitamin C and even fiber (most Americans don’t eat enough fruits and veggies or fiber).
  • Protein powder is an extra boost of protein, but a lot depends on the brand and type you use, so do your research.

Triple Berry Overnight Oats

These creamy, flavorful overnight oats have a great texture and are so easy to prep for breakfast or snacks!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 to 1 cup mixed berries, fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup yogurt
  • 1/4 milk
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon flax seed
  • 1 tablespoon or 1 scoop protein powder 
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients into a mason jar or glass tupperware and shake well or stir until combined.
  2. Refrigerate overnight and eat cold (my summer preference) or heat in the microwave and enjoy warm!

I hope these yummy overnight oats make your breakfasts or snacks both easy and delicious! Thanks for being here and making it this far!!

–Brit

Easy Breakfast Egg Muffins

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These egg muffins are packed with veggies and protein, making them a healthy, quick and easy breakfast meal prep option for the week. They’re super easy to make and can be quickly reheated and eaten before you head out the door, but they’re also a great option to make if you have time for a sit down meal in the morning.

This recipe is the combination of add-ins that I like best and works for me, but it is a great recipe to customize! You can pack in more veggies, take out or swap the meat, use dairy free alternatives and more. That’s the great thing about cooking, if you have a base recipe, you can get as creative as you want!

Health Benefits:

  • Eggs are a great source of protein, are packed with nutrients and boost HDL cholesterol (the good one).
  • Spinach is rich in fiber, along with containing carotenoids, vitamin K1, folate, iron, calcium and more.
  • Tomatoes contain vitamins C, A and K, along with other nutrients and green onions provide an array of antioxidants.
  • Ham is another good protein and iron source, just know that it is usually higher in sodium.

Easy Breakfast Egg Muffins

These veggie and protein packed egg muffins are a great breakfast option and great for meal prep!

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs
  • 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1/4 cup ham, chopped
  • 1/4 cup tomato, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons green onion
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease 9 muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Whisk eggs in a medium bowl, then add all other ingredients and mix until evenly distributed.
  3. Pour mixture evenly into greased muffin tins and bake for 30 minutes.
  4. Enjoy warm or let cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

I hope you find these as easy and delicious as I do and enjoy them for breakfast (or any meal of the day). As always, let me know if you make them, how they turn out and if you have any questions!!

–Brit

Avocado Salmon Salad

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This recipe is a simple and healthy lunch, snack or even dinner option that I recently threw together and loved! I am a big fan of both salmon and avocado, so I’ve had this idea for quite some time and am glad I finally gave it a try.

The salad is super versatile and can also be easily customizable to your preferences. You could eat it with pita chips (my favorite) or crackers, on toast or a bagel, as a sandwich or even plain with a spoon! There are also a variety of substitutions below that may help you choose the ingredients that work best for you.

Health Benefits

  • Salmon is a great source of protein, heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial vitamins and minerals.
  • Avocado is also full of heart healthy unsaturated fats and other nutrients, such as vitamin K, folate, vitamin C and potassium.
  • Greek yogurt is another great protein source and is also packed with probiotics to promote gut health and calcium to support your skeletal system.

Substitutions

  • Canned salmon or cooked and shredded salmon can be used to achieve this delicious recipe, but you can also try it with chicken or tuna if you have that available instead.
  • If you are part of the 20% that thinks cilantro tastes like soap, leave it out or replace it with some herbs of your choice, such as parsley or dill.
  • As always, if you don’t like an ingredient or don’t have it, leave it out and get creative with ways to replace it with what you have!

Salmon Salad with Avocado

  • Servings: 2 servings
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This healthy salmon salad recipe is perfect for a quick and easy lunch and can be eaten in a variety of ways- with crackers, as a sandwich, on toast or even plain.

Ingredients

  • 5 oz can of salmon, drained or 1/2 cup cooked salmon, flaked
  • 2 tablespoons plain greek yogurt
  • 1/2 avocado, diced
  • 2 teaspoons cilantro, finely chopped
  • garlic salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, add all of the ingredients and gently stir until combined.
  2. Pair with pita chips or crackers, put it on some toast or a bagel, make a sandwich with it or eat it plain and enjoy!

Thanks for following along and I hope you also enjoy this quick and easy recipe!

–Brit

Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Granola

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This healthier granola recipe is not only delicious and easy to make, but it is also super customizable! It’s a fun way to get creative and there’s really no way to go wrong.

This recipe has now become part of my weekly routine, but I rarely make it the same as the time before. I switch it up depending on my preference that day and the nuts and fruit we have on hand. This granola can be eaten as a topping on yogurt, like cereal with some milk, or by the handful as a tasty snack.

Health Benefits:

  • Oats are a great source of both carbohydrates and fiber, meaning they provide you with energy and promote digestive health.
  • Nuts not only are a plant-based protein, but they are also a healthy fat that provides long-lasting energy and many other health benefits (like reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol and aiding in hormone balance).

Easy Substitutions & Additions

  • Use any combination of nuts that work for you: walnuts, pecans, almonds, peanuts, etc.
  • Replace raisins with cranberries or coconut flakes
  • Substitute honey with real maple syrup (I might be biased but I think this is best with local honey- especially when it’s from your dad)
  • Add flax seed for some added fiber benefits
  • Add pumpkin, sunflower or any other seeds for added flavor and healthy fat
  • Get creative with your spices (I sometimes like to add in a sprinkle of nutmeg to this recipe)

Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Granola

This tasty homemade granola recipe is easy to make, healthy and totally customizable!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup nuts (1/2 walnuts & 1/2 almonds)
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins)
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F and grease a baking sheet, preferably rimmed
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts, dried fruit, cinnamon and salt
  3. In a small bowl, mix together melted coconut oil, honey and vanilla
  4. Pour wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until all is evenly combined and moist
  5. Pour onto greased baking sheet and spread evenly
  6. Bake for 15 minutes, then take it out and mix it up with a spoon so it can be cooked on both sides, return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes
  7. Let cool completely before removing from baking sheet and storing in an airtight container

If you try this recipe, I hope you enjoy it and if you have any questions, comments or feedback for me I would love to hear it! If you chose to customize your homemade granola, let me know what you used in the comments!

–Brit