Jump Start Your New Year Healthy Meals with Quinoa “PB & J” Oatmeal

With calendars flipped to reveal 2014, many folks will be listing New Year resolutions (or goals) to achieve during the next 12 months and chances are good that keeping to a healthier diet is high on the list. It has been reported that breakfast is the most important meal of the day; so to start our year off right, I have a terrific breakfast recipe for Quinoa “PB & J” Oatmeal that is sure to get you on the right track.

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Why am I making quinoa oatmeal? Where oats do have health benefits such as being known for lowering cholesterol, the super grain quinoa packs a huge nutritional punch. It is full of protein, iron, lysine, magnesium and twice as much fiber as most grains. Quinoa is known as the Quinoa is quickly becoming one of my favorite grain substitutes. 

One of the biggest misconceptions about quinoa is that it's a grain when in fact it's a seed. There are over 100 types of quinoa and many benefits to using it as a recipe staple. 

Early in the week I will make a small batch to keep to in the fridge for oatmeal, to add into my eggs or use as a salad topping. It also works great as a pasta substitute in soup or as a meal all by itself by adding roasted vegetables or a little bit of grated cheese and parsley.

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To make ahead of time, bring 1 cup of water and ½ cup of quinoa to a boil. As soon as it boils, turn heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes and fluff with fork. You will know when the grain is done when the little “tails” appear.

For today’s post, we are going to focus on breakfast and using quinoa as an easy and great substitute to oats and substituting almond butter for peanut butter and fresh berries for the “jelly”.

PB&J Quinoa Oatmeal

½ cup cooked quinoa

1/3 cup almond milk

½ Tbsp. almond butter

½ cup fresh blueberries

Combine quinoa and almond milk and microwave for 30 seconds to warm. Stir in almond butter and top with blueberries.

By incorporating quinoa into your meal plan, you are well on your way to a healthier New Year!