Oatmeal with Almond Milk

What if I told you I ate oatmeal every day twice a day for five-plus years? Now you may be thinking, say that again? Is that even healthy?

When I was 17 years old, I wanted to be thin and became frightened of calories. I decided almost overnight that I would eat only healthy foods. So I began controlling and restricting ALL of my food.

I didn’t understand how to eat healthy food. I grew up eating a typical American diet – boxed cereal with milk for breakfast, turkey sandwich and chips for lunch, ice cream for a snack, meat, and potatoes for dinner.

I wanted to change and found an essential pantry item, rolled oats. I looked at the number of calories in 1/2 cup of oats. I decided to start making oatmeal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Gone were the days when I would enjoy a piece of cake with friends or a burger and fries. I was now seen as a healthy eater and felt I could only eat healthy around family and friends.

Soon I was off to college and away from my family for the first time. I didn’t know anyone in my new town. I thought that being strong and independent meant that I didn’t share how lonely I felt.

In my first month of college, I failed my first two exams. I was devastated. I was typically a good student and wasn’t used to low grades. I had even more anxiety.

To deal with my emotions, I turned to food. I ate a warm bowl of oatmeal with almond milk almost every day.

I wanted to be healthy. I didn’t know where to start. I knew my strict diet was not healthy. My hair and nails became brittle. My body wanted a variety of nutrients.

It would take me 12 years to figure out that being healthy is more than eating less and exercising. It’s about changing our habits and changing our lives.

I realized that oatmeal with almond milk is a good breakfast habit. I just needed to show myself some kindness.

Oatmeal with almond milk is filling, nourishing, and delicious. It’s is good any time of the year. It warms you up during colder months and refreshing in the warmer months topped with fresh fruit.

Made In Minutes
Oatmeal can be ready in less than 10 minutes! If you have work to do, kids to feed, or places to go, you can always put it in a cup and eat it on the go.

Uses Everyday Pantry Items
You can keep oats on hand for a long time. It’s easy to grab oats from the pantry and almond milk from the fridge. Mix on the stove or microwave. And voila!

Note that I prefer rolled or old-fashioned oats. Rolled oats absorb more liquid and hold their shape well. You can use rolled oats for oatmeal, granola bars, and cookies. If you need to speed up the cooking time, you can soak the rolled oats before cooking.

You can use instant or quick oats in place of rolled oats. They cook faster; however, the oatmeal may not have as much texture.

Change It Up
It’s super easy to make oatmeal with almond milk. You can add a sliced banana to give it extra sweetness. Nuts, fresh fruit, dried fruit are all great additions. You can keep your oatmeal as simple as you like!

Contains Calcium
Almond milk has a pleasant nutty flavor and calcium. It’s high in minerals and vitamins while being low in calories. Try to select unsweetened almond milk or any unsweetened plant-based milk. Oatmeal with coconut milk is another good option.

I like unsweetened almond milk as you can play with the sweetness level. Over time, your taste buds will change.

Note that the store-bought almond milk will keep in the fridge for 7-10 days. Just shake the almond milk up before using it because the calcium deposits often settle at the bottom of the carton.

Fills You Up
Oats are high in fiber and absorb water. This helps you feel fuller longer. You can also make it even more filling by topping it with a protein such as a peanut butter.

And you know what? This is just the start. You can add whatever toppings you like – chia seeds, nuts, and cacao/cocoa powders.

You can make oatmeal on the stove or in the microwave. Feel free to play with the almond milk to oats ratio based on your preference. I like two parts almond milk to one part oats.

Check out the recipe below for more details.

If you love this recipe, check out my chocolate peanut butter smoothie. The chocolate and peanut butter combo make this breakfast simply irresistible!