You’ve likely heard that oatmeal is a nutritious breakfast choice, but have you looked at a nutrition label on a box of oatmeal packets lately? They are loaded with sugar, artificial sweeteners, and artificial flavorings and it’s all SO unnecessary! Not to mention, the portions are small and when compared with the price of plain oats, they are $$$. Eating an oatmeal packet usually just leaves me hungrier! Sound familiar?
Here’s an easy way to make your own oatmeal packets that are just as convenient, more nutritious, more filling (larger portion), and cheaper!
You need:
Necessary: Rolled oats, sandwich size or larger Ziploc bags
Optional: Milled flaxseeds, cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, and possibly brown sugar.
Add ½ Cup of rolled oats to a Ziploc bag
Um...well actually you’re almost done! Let’s get creative with the toppings…
I like to add 1 tablespoon of milled flax seeds for additional nutrition and their gelling properties help to thicken the oatmeal. Chia seeds would likely work here too.
Add flavor with spices! Add a few shakes of pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, or nutmeg!
If you like a bit of sweetness, add brown sugar or dark chocolate chips.
Store in the pantry as long as you need. When you’re ready to make it, pour it into a bowl, add ¾ cup of plant-based milk, stir, and microwave for about 2 minutes or until thickened.
I like to top with walnuts afterward for a bit of crunch and extra fat---> which helps me feel more full after!
The finished product? Check it out! This one with a bit of maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
These oatmeal baggies are so versatile and great to keep around! I’m currently packing for a weekend trip to visit a friend and I’m stashing a few in my bag. With some hot water or a microwave, you have a hearty snack on hand.
In addition to travel, these can be kept at work for shelf-stable afternoon snacks, or for home/office breakfasts when you’re running late in the morning. Kids will love helping to assemble these and older kids can use them to make their own breakfast on hectic school mornings. Win WIN!