Zucchini Proats

We always hear the amazing benefits of adding more veggies to our current diet and for lunch and dinner, those additions seem pretty easy! But what about breakfast? I was always a cereal girl myself and if I ever ventured from that, it it would be for another sweet item such as waffles, toast, or fruit. It wasn't until the past few years that I started looking to savory breakfast items such a hash, eggs, and a variety of toasts with things other than jelly on top. 

Recently I've been challenging myself to add as many vegetables throughout the day as I can and to get creative with them! Adding something like riced cauliflower or zucchini is a great way to add some serious volume to your meal and not to mention bringing an awesome nutrition powerhouse to the table! 

Zucchini oats are a warm and cozy way to get 1-2 servings of vegetables! I love how much they bulk up my 1/4 c of oats in the morning and with them being cooked in, I don't even notice them! Plus, you can add a serving of fruit for some added sweetness! Like most of my recipes, you can add in and change up to suit your fixings and flavors! Here's my go-to, hope you enjoy!

PB Chocolatey Zucchini Proats 

1/4 c old fashioned oats

1 medium sized zucchini- grated or pureed 

1/2 mashed banana (I prefer to use ripe/overly ripe) 

1 tbsp chia seeds

1 tbsp powdered PB

1/2 tbsp cacao powder

1 tbsp flax seeds 

1/4 c milk

Mix all ingredients and add a dash of water if you need to,  then heat throughly so that the oats & zucchini are cooked to perfection! Then, if you're looking for some added protein... 

Add: 1 scoop chocolate or chocolate PB whey

Mix and then top with Enjoy Life mini baking chips or your favorite nut butter!

This is my favorite way to start my morning, especially in the colder months... pretty much half of the year in Northwest Ohio. It helps to not only warm me up, but also keep me full until lunch which is very much needed after morning clients and classes. I'm really looking forward to this weekend, I have a lot of studying to catch up on & am feeling ULTRA motivated! TGIF!