School and workdays are chaotic to say the least. Herding cats in a thunderstorm would be easier than getting two dogs, two kids, and two adults through our morning ritual. Regardless of what goes on at your house, one key to being healthy and staying healthy is being prepared and taking steps to make being healthy, easy. And that’s why it’s always great when you can have healthy and yummy food ready to go in the morning. If you are not prepared, you are only making it harder to succeed and are setting yourself up for failure. You may go to bed early and have good intentions of staying on track and conquering the next day, but if you are like us, one slight variation to the morning and it’s all shot. Chaos ensues and you’re out the door without food or energy for the day. Here is an easy overnight recipe that is high in protein and high in fiber. We especially like making this on Friday or Saturday night so weekend mornings before soccer practice or church are a little more relaxed and we have the fuel we need for the day. Note: We hardly ever cook just one meal at a time, unless we’re having company or it’s a special meal. Otherwise, we are always trying to think ahead and how we can “reuse” items, save precious time by making sure we are always throwing together the next day’s breakfast or lunch--or even freezing for future use on a busy week. So the recipe below anticipates a big family or enough to keep for the next day. Also, some people choose to add toppings like berries the next morning, but we realize time is precious and we like to keep the morning process as easy as possible. Psychologically this helps knowing there isn’t one more thing to do (even if it’s as simple as washing and cutting berries).

Steel Cut Oats

Just like all other foods, processing can wreak havoc on your body and your grains. It can reduce the amount of fiber in the grains and reduce nutrients. Soaking your grains can actually help your body digest and process the nutrients and will help ensure the fiber gives you energy throughout the morning.

What you need:

4 to 1: water to gluten-free steel cut oats (or regular steel cut oats) (Double if desired)

Add:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¬º cup walnuts

• ¬º cup blueberries/raspberries/sliced apple

• ¬º cup raisins

• 2 dashes of cinnamon

• Consider adding the next morning:

• unsweetened coconut milk, almond milk, or whole milk,

• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds if you wish

Four Simple Steps:

Step 1: Bring water and oats to a boil and continue to cook at a boil for 1-2 minutes; Step 2: Remove from heat and place in container of choice with a lid; Step 3: Add in ingredients above and any additional ingredients and let sit overnight; Step 4: Stir in milk of your choice, fluff, and serve warm. Enjoy. And Relax.

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