This has to be the simplest meal prep for the week and it's extra delicious. Oatmeal is like a giant hug to start your day.
If there is any way that I can sleep a little longer in the mornings, I will take advantage of that. Making breakfast during the week is not something that I enjoy doing most days. Most mornings there are so many unexpected things happening that I'm rushing out the door. But having a sensible breakfast is the best way to start your day. So part of my meal prep for the week is making sure that I have a plan for breakfast.
One of my favorite meal prep meals is actually oatmeal! I know it sounds super simple but it's so yummy to me. And I can feel like I'm mixing up my breakfast because I can top it with different toppings throughout the week. No two days have to be the same.
I make a giant batch of oatmeal on Sundays and mix in flax seeds and brown sugar. I know that there are overnight oat recipes, but that requires that I have my life together every night. That's not going to happen. LOL But I can come up with 10 minutes on Sunday to boil some water (or milk) and let the oats cook and cool down enough to put in the fridge. When it's still pipping hot, I divide the oatmeal into five bowls with enough room for more toppings.
When the morning comes, all I do is add a little milk (about 1/4 cup) to the stiff oatmeal and pop in the microwave for one minute. Once it's heated, I stir the oatmeal and go to town adding my toppings.
I will have fun with toppings like adding in fruits, berries, nuts, seeds, and chia pudding. Sliced bananas, berries, and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) is an easy go-to for me. Usually a 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of oatmeal with toppings will keep me satisfied most of the morning and I'll just need a little snack before lunch.
When I'm really feeling into my meal prep, I'll make blueberry compote or and easy chia pudding as options for toppings.
Having a really good breakfast (even if you're eating it in the car on the way to work) is a great way for me to start my day. I just feel accomplished, and I'm making the best choices to start my day. One good choice just starts a series of other good choices.
Meal Prep Oatmeal Recipe
2.5 cups old-fashioned oats
4.5 - 5 cups water
2 - 3 Tbsp Ground flax seed
3 Tbsp Light Brown Sugar
Boil water. Stir in oats and reduce heat to medium to simmer. Add in flax seed and brown sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Divide into 5 breakfast containers and allow to cool. Once cool, store in fridge.
To enjoy throughout the week, add about a quarter of a cup of milk to each container and heat in microwave for about 1 minute until warm. Top with some yummy fruit, yogurt, granola, fruit, nuts, or whatever toppings you like.
Leave a comment and let me know how you like to top your oatmeal.
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