quick meals ~breakfast chia pods and overnight oats~

I hear a lot of people say they are too busy in the morning to eat breakfast.  Breakfast is essential for giving you sustained energy throughout the day and jump starting your metabolism.  I also hear people say it’s too expensive to eat healthy.  I have a solution to both problems!  These breakfast ideas take minutes to prep the night before and all cost under $1.00.  Even stopping at a drive thru fast food restaurant will cost you more time…and money!

quick meals ~chia pods and overnight oats~

I’ve talked before about the benefits of both chia seeds and oats.  They provide you with fiber, healthy omega 3 fatty acids, protein, calcium, etc…  In short, it’s MUCH healthier to grab one of these breakfasts on your way out the door instead of dragging your body down with a bacon, egg and cheese muffin!

I make mine on sunday night and have them ready to go all week long, they store well for days!

quick meals ~chia pods, overnight oats~

Here are three ideas but the possibilities are endless!

Cocobanana Chia Pod

1 1/2 tablespoons chia seeds

1 tablespoon shredded coconut, extra coconut for topping

2/3 cup coconut milk, almond or soy milk

1/2 banana, mashed

~Combine all ingredients, stir until well blended and pour in a small mason jar or air-tight container, let sit in refrigerator overnight and enjoy the next day!~

Pineapple Overnight Oats

1/4 cup old fashioned oats

1/4 cup almond milk, soy milk or coconut milk

1/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple) or extra milk of your choice

1/4 cup greek yogurt or coconut yogurt

crushed pineapple (canned in juice or fresh)

ground flax seeds for topping

~Combine all ingredients, stir until well blended and pour in a small mason jar or air-tight container, let sit in refrigerator overnight and enjoy the next day!~

Chocolate Strawberry Chia Pod

1 1/2 tablespoons chia seeds

1/2 tablespoon cocoa or cacao powder

2/3 cup almond milk, soy milk or coconut milk

1/2 mashed banana

sliced strawberries

~Combine all ingredients, stir until well blended and pour in a small mason jar or air-tight container, let sit in refrigerator overnight and enjoy the next day!~

quick meals ~chia pods and overnight oats~

Experiment with other fruits, seeds, nut butters and grains to keep it exciting!

Don’t limit these to just breakfast either!  They make awesome afternoon snacks, provide pre/post-exercise nourishment and can be a guilt-free dessert!

www.beginwithinnutrition.com

raspberry lime rickey smoothie

A little tart, a little sweet and a whole lot of refreshing!

Not to mention, it’s an easy way to get an extra serving of greens in your day!

Raspberry Lime Rickey ~vegan, raw, green smoothie~

Raspberry Lime Rickey Smoothie

1 cup coconut water

2/3 cup frozen raspberries

2 pitted dates

handful baby spinach

1 tablespoon chia seeds

Juice of 1 lime

~Blend and Enjoy!~

Raspberry Lime Rickey ~vegan, raw, green smoothie~

www.beginwithinnutrition.com

chocolate pumpkin chia seed cookies

I hope everyone had a great weekend!  These cookies made mine a bit sweeter!

chocolate pumpkin chia seed cookies ~vegan, gluten-free~

A little pure maple syrup and a few vegan mini-chocolate chips make these cookies irresistible!  They are the perfect evening treat to have with a cup of tea.  Ok, I’m not going to lie, I had them for breakfast too!  Next time to make them a healthier breakfast treat I will substitute the chocolate chips with walnuts…but for now I will have chocolate with my breakfast :)

chocolate pumpkin chia seed cookies ~vegan, gluten-free~

Chocolate Pumpkin Chia Seed Cookies

1 1/2 tablespoons chia seeds

1/4 cup almond milk

1 cup pumpkin

3/4 cup GF old fashioned oats

1/4 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)

1/4 cup mini-chocolate chips (vegan)

1/4 cup raisins

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees, line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

-In a small bowl, combine chia seeds and almond milk.  Set aside for 10 minutes or until a gel is formed.

-In a large bowl, combine chia/almond milk mixture with the rest of the ingredients.  Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.

-Using a tablespoon, scoop dough onto parchment paper.

-Cook for 15 minutes or until tops are lightly golden, remove from oven, cool and enjoy!

chocolate pumpkin chia seed cookies ~vegan, gluten-free~

www.beginwithinnutrition.com