Healthy Maple, Chia and Flax Oatmeal

Oatmeal is perhaps one of the most underrated foods. It's always there for me when I'm running low on groceries, and dried oats stays good for months. Oats are also super healthy and filling, and are especially comforting when the weather gets chilly. What's not to love?

This oatmeal, in particular, is the one I make time and time again. The recipe starts with a basic stovetop or microwave oatmeal. Then, you add some nuts and seeds to make it nutritious, maple syrup to boost the flavor, and milk to give it the perfect creamy texture. This oatmeal is great for a quick breakfast or even an easy and cozy lunch or dinner!

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THE RECIPE AND DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW THE SUSTAINABILITY TIPS BELOW!

Time: 10 minutes

Makes: 1 bowl of oatmeal

ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup water

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

• 1 1/2 tablespoons flaxseed meal

• 1 tablespoon pepitas

• 1/3 cup milk of choice, dairy or non-dairy

• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar, to taste

methods

1. Prepare oatmeal and water according to package instructions. Since chia and flax absorb moisture, take the oatmeal out of the microwave or off the stove when it is slightly more watery than you prefer.

2. Add in the chia seeds, flaxseed meal and pepitas and stir to combine. Pour in the milk and the maple syrup or brown sugar and stir once more. Top to your liking and dig in!

sustainability tips

• Milk: If you want to use dairy milk, make sure to buy from a local farm or a sustainable company. I like to buy my dairy products from B Corps, which are held to really high environmental and social standards. Alternatively, you could try a vegan milk substitute. Learn all about vegan milk in my Best Vegan Milk Replacements article!

• Maple Syrup: Go for local syrup! This will decrease GHGs from travel and maybe even help you get to know your local syrup producers. Read all about it in my liquid sweeteners post!