oatmeal

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5 Ingredient Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

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These cookies are healthy and can be enjoyed guilt-free! They are made from just a few wholesome ingredients and are just sweet enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. Omit the maple syrup and chocolate chips and they’re a great breakfast or snack for your baby! You can get creative with the add-ins too. Try some peanut butter, walnuts, dried cranberries, vanilla extract, etc.. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed

  • 1 ½ cups oats

  • ½ tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl

  • Make 10 rounded cookies and place them on baking sheet

  • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until firm to touch at the center

Healthier Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

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Looking for a healthier oatmeal raisin cookie to satisfy your sweet tooth? Not only are these cookies soft and perfectly sweet, they are full are health-boosting ingredients, like sunflower seeds, flax seeds, coconut, and raisins! 

Ingredients

  • 1 ⅓ cups rolled oats

  • ⅓ cup oat flour (pulse oats until finely ground)

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

  • 6 tablespoons coconut oil, melted 

  • ¼ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 1 egg

  • 3/4 cup raisins

  • 1/4 cup ground flax seeds

  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds

  • ¼ cup shredded coconut

  • ¼ tsp of salt

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • In a mixing bowl, mix together all wet ingredients (coconut oil, honey, egg, vanilla).

  • In a separate bowl, mix together all dry ingredients (oats, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, brown sugar, raisins, ground flax seeds, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, salt).

  • Then using a rubber spatula, fold the oat mixture into the egg mixture. The dough will be a little crumbly, which is okay! If dough is too crumbly, add in another tablespoon of flour (coconut flour works well here).

  • Form into about 15 cookies

  • Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes depending on the size of your cookies.

  • Let cool and enjoy!

Pumpkin Oatmeal

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This is a cozy, warming, and decadent way to start your day. The pumpkin flavor, combined with the warming spices of cinnamon and nutmeg will keep you reaching for this breakfast bowl all fall as temperatures continue to drop. It’s delicious, but it’s also a breakfast that packs a nutritional punch. You read all about the health benefits of pumpkin in my last post - the pumpkin in combination with the fibrous whole grain oats will help keep you feeling full and satiated all morning long. TIP! Use the extra pumpkin (if using canned) in my “Pumpkin Energy Bites” or “Pumpkin Smoothie.”

Ingredients

(serves 2)

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • 1 cup almond milk

  • 1 cup water

  • ¼ cup plus 2 tbsp. pumpkin puree

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

  • ¼ tsp cinnamon

  • Pinch of salt

Directions

  • In a small pot, add water, almond milk, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer. 

  • Add in oats and pumpkin puree. Stir somewhat frequently until oats begin to soften and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 5-10 minutes).

  • Add in the pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Stir to combine. Then serve.

  • Optional: Top with banana slices, toasted pecans, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

TIP! Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseeds for an added nutritional boost and some healthy fats to keep you feeling fuller longer.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bowl

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This breakfast dish is so cozy and comforting. It’s absolutely perfect for that crisp fall morning, where you’re craving something that’s warming. This oatmeal tastes delicious and it’s full of healthy fats and protein with the coconut oil, flaxseed or chia seed, and almond butter to help keep your blood sugar levels balanced and your energy up all day!

Ingredients

(serves 1)

  • ½ cup rolled oats

  • ½  cup water

  • ½  cup unsweetened almond milk

  • 1 tbsp chia seeds or ground flaxseed

  • 2 tsp coconut oil

  • ½ tsp cinnamon

  • 1 organic, crisp apple, diced

  • 1 tbsp almond butter

Directions:

  • Heat coconut oil in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat.

  • Add in the ¾ of the apples and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cinnamon.

  • Add in oats, water, almond milk, chia seeds or ground flaxseed, and a pinch of salt. Stir and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer and let cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring every so often until oats are cooked and have absorbed most of the liquid.

  • Remove oatmeal from heat and ladle into a bowl.

  • Top with 1 tbsp almond butter, the remaining apple pieces, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness (optional)

Note: This recipe is easy to double, triple, or quadruple. Plan ahead and make some for the week to store in the fridge and then reheat for easy breakfasts!

Health Benefits of Apples:

  • Apples contain pectin, a type of fiber that acts like a probiotic, which helps promote good bacteria living in our large intestine.

  • They are a high fiber food, which helps with digestion and regulating bowel movements

  • Apples are a great source of vitamin C, which fights free radical damage and boosts immune health

  • Apples are one of the best natural sources of boron, a mineral that is important for building strong bones, muscle mass and for brain function

Sources and Additional Reading: