Chocoats {Redux}

I'm now 3 months into motherhood and starting to get into the swing of things. Right now my meal planning, food prep, and blogging have definitely been affected by our new addition. I am even more into leftovers because I don't always have time to start from scratch when she needs me. This month's Recipe Redux theme was: Favorite Chocolate Matches - Does your chocolate need a friend? This month’s posting will be after Valentine’s Day, so you may have a bit of extra chocolate around. What’s your favorite chocolate match? Be it traditional peanut butter or something more exotic like cayenne + chocolate. Show us your favorite healthy chocolate combo recipe.

I kept things fairly traditional and aimed to create a quick breakfast that could be reheated and enjoyed during a busy work week or for a busy parent with little ones (or for whatever else keeps you busy these days!). We know that breakfast is a great way to get energy for the upcoming day and a chance to get in needed nutrients. See below for my Chocoats for a warm way to start your day.

Oats are a great whole grain to start the day with and since it's heart month it's good to remember that they can help with cholesterol and blood pressure. Adding peanut butter and berries adds some fat, protein, and fibre to help get you through the morning. The blueberries add a bit of sweetness and antioxidants which are great this time of year when colds and flus are still going around. With the added cocoa and coconut I feel like this reminds me of the haystack cookies we had when I was growing up.

Chocoats
Serves 4


Ingredients
1/3 cup rolled oats
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp cocoa
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 Tbsp peanut butter
Toppings optional (blueberries, milk, coconut)

Directions
1. Bring 3 cups of salted water to a boil.
2. Stir in oats, return to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 20-25 minutes.
3. Stir in cocoa, brown sugar, and peanut butter.
4. Serve with toppings of your choosing, or cool and refrigerate for leftovers.

Enjoy your weekend and the recipes below!
Steph Langdon, RD

An InLinkz Link-up

hiah chat - Brian Breit

Bio of Brian Breit:
I am self employed. I am a runner (I run everyday), I swim, go to the gym. I guess you could say I am an endurance athlete. I was born and raised in Saskatoon. I don't know if you want to call it a hobby, but I like to learn as much about the sports that I do and how to live healthy, so I am always reading about them. 

Facebook: Brian Breit
Twitter: @run_brian
Instagram: brun5150


 




Questions:
1.    What does being healthy mean to you? 
Healthy to me means feeling good about myself, having energy to tackle the day ahead and/or a workout.
 
2.    Do you feel that you lead a healthy life? How? (or what would you change?) Yes, now I do. I eat clean and healthy meals, no junk food. I start my day with a little workout, plus I run everyday and most days I either go swimming or to the gym, throw in the odd yoga class. I also don't drink.

3.    What is a healthy meal that you often eat? 
Make up something with egg whites, porridge with yogurt.
 
4.    How do you stay healthy when life gets hectic? I always have apples and bananas handy and usually a granola type bar.
 
5.    What is one of your challenges or struggles when it comes to leading a healthy life? 
Probably getting enough rest time and sleep.
 
6.    Are you currently working towards a goal or starting/stopping a habit? What? 
I just want to keep getting better at what I am doing and staying positive.
 
7.    What motivates you to be healthy? 
Feeling good. Being able to reach various goals and succeeding at them
 
8.    What is a treat or indulgence that you enjoy? 
Black Bean Brownie
 
9.    Any inspiring words or comments that you’d like to share with our readers? Always do your best and never give up.

Thanks Brian, we look forward to seeing you on the trails!

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