Chunky Monkey Oatmeal: A Healthy Breakfast on a Budget

Jun 2 | Recipes

Start Your Day on the Right Track

We all know, as we’ve been told so many times, that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The reason for this is pretty simple: In short, your body hasn’t been fed for several hours and is craving for essential nutrients.

It is recommended, for the average person, to get a minimum of eight hours of sleep per night. For this period of time, your body isn’t absorbing any nutrients and is considered to be fasting. Needless to say, if your body hasn’t been fed for so many hours, then it is even more important to feed it with the best possible ingredients first thing in the morning.

Unfortunately, breakfast is often the most neglected meal. Most people end up having a pair of toast and a cup of coffee to get it done as quickly as possible, either because of a busy schedule or simply because of the lack of inspiration (or both, maybe?).

A Healthier, Tastier Alternative

Well, today I am going to show a quick and healthy recipe that will rock your socks off: Chunky Monkey Oatmeal. I promise it will change your mind about oatmeal, forever!

What exactly is chunky monkey you ask me? Well, it’s a Ben & Jerry’s flavor consisting of banana, walnuts, and fudge… and it is delicious!

So I decided that I would try this particular combination for oatmeal, and it turned out to be DELISH. As a bonus, this recipe is very budget friendly!

I swapped walnuts for peanuts in my version, as they are much cheaper. You could also use your favorite chocolate syrup instead of cacao powder to make this recipe a bit cheaper, or if you don’t have this particular ingredient on hand. Cacao powder is among the healthiest foods on earth though, so I really think you would be missing out, your choice!

So Let’s Have a Look at What’s in There:

• Oatmeal is an excellent source of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. This high-quality body fuel contains roughly 6 grams of protein per portion and a plethora of essential vitamins and minerals. It is also very budget-friendly, one of the cheapest breakfast options out there, period. Instant oatmeal packages is NOT a good replacement oatmeal though, it will not provide the same health benefits. There is a big difference between the two.
• Cacao Powder is, like I said above, among the healthiest foods on the planet. It is full of antioxidants (40 times more than blueberries, can you believe that?!). It is anti-inflammatory, will balance your mood, make you happy, combat fatigue, lower your blood pressure, prevent cardiovascular diseases, and much more! Cheaper alternative: Chocolate syrup. Although, far less healthy.
• Honey Is one of the healthiest sweeteners out there. Full of antioxidants, essential vitamins and minerals, it will never spoil. It will crystallize over time, but will still be perfectly edible: simply heat it back to its liquid form. Cheaper alternative: Brown sugar. Again, less healthy.
• Peanuts are an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats which are often overlooked for being calorie-dense. But don’t be fooled by their high-calorie count per portion, as studies have shown that peanuts actually promote weight-loss. They are super healthy and very budget-friendly.
• Bananas are an impressive fruit. They will boost your energy levels, boost your mood, help with digestion and improve your skin, bones and brain health. Bananas are also one of the cheapest (fresh) fruits at the store (if not the cheapest).

Chunky Monkey Oatmeal: A Healthy Breakfast on a Budget

Serves Two (2)

INGREDIENTS

Oatmeal:

1 cup milk of choice
1/3 cup quick oats
1 tsp cacao powder
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp peanut butter

Toppings:

1 banana, sliced
1 tbsp ground peanuts

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat the liquids (milk, honey, vanilla extract) over medium heat in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to bubble. About 7-10 minutes.

Add in the oatmeal and cacao powder, mix well. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Remove from heat and add in the peanut butter, mix well. Serve in a bowl, top with banana slices and ground peanuts.

Toppings on the picture: Banana slices, ground peanuts, a pinch of cacao powder and melted dark chocolate (optional).

Print

Chunky Monkey Oatmeal

Ingredients

Oatmeal:

• 1 cup milk of choice
• 1/3 cup quick oats
• 1 tsp cacao powder
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp peanut butter

Toppings:

• 1 banana sliced
• 1 tbsp ground peanuts

Instructions

1. Heat the liquids (milk, honey, vanilla extract) over medium heat in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to bubble. About 7-10 minutes.
2. Add in the oatmeal and cacao powder, mix well. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Remove from heat and add in the peanut butter, mix well. Serve in a bowl, top with banana slices and ground peanuts.

Cost per serving: $0.63

Nutrition information per serving:
Calories: 303
Carbohydrate: 40g
Fat: 12g
Fibers: 7g
Protein: 13g

(Nutrition information is calculated with the ingredients listed in the “Ingredients” section only.)

This blog post is a courtesy of Gabriel from One Clever Chef , a blog where you will find various healthy and simple recipes made with real food.