It's finally starting to feel like Fall, which means it's time for some warming, feel-good foods. Starting my day with a bowl of oats often feels like dessert and makes me feel warm and satiated. As with smoothies, it is good to incorporate fiber, good fat and protein, so keep that in mind in playing with your own variations. I have included cashew milk, oats, coconut yogurt, chia seeds, bee pollen and oats to make sure to have all of those balanced components. Keep it low sugar by adding vanilla and cinnamon for flavor, rather than brown sugar or other added sweeteners like many store bought packets include. The cashew milk instead of water and coconut yogurt stirred in at the end make it extra creamy and delicious.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup oats
1 cup cashew milk (or any milk of choice)
2-3 sliced figs (fruit is great for flavor and fiber, but too much can pack excessive sugar)
1 tbsp coconut yogurt (or any favorite yogurt)
1 tsp chia seeds
1 tsp bee pollen
1 tsp vanilla
Cinnamon to taste (I like a lot!)

Method:

Cook oats in milk on the stove about 10 minutes by bringing the milk to a boil, then a simmer and letting the oats get creamy and thick (If you have less time- you can microwave on high for 3 minutes in a large bowl)
Slice up the figs
Stir cinnamon and vanilla into the oats until your desired flavor is achieved. Let the oats sit for a minute to thicken and stir again.
Stir in the coconut yogurt and add the toppings.

The only thing that keeps me from eating dessert every night is knowing that it is the first thing that will happen the next morning. Avocado and banana are a dream team for a silky creamy texture. With energizing maca and cacao, this is one of my all time favorite morning bowls.

Ingredients:

1/4 avocado
1 cup almond milk
2 tbsp cacao powder
1/2 banana*
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp maca powder
optional: a few ice cubes if you want it colder
optional: blueberries or kale to pack in some extra antioxidants and vitamins*

Method:

Blend ingredients together until smooth. Check consistency- add more almond milk to make thinner, add more ice to make thicker and/or colder. Pour into a bowl and add an extra sprinkle of chia seeds or any other preferred topping.

*To keep smoothies cold and thick without using ice, use frozen fruit. Store overripe bananas in halves or fourths (peeled) in airtight ziplock in freezer. Find frozen greens and fruit with no added sugar or other ingredients in the frozen food aisle. It can be cheaper to purchase frozen produce and also cuts back on food waste.