Warm Overnight Java Brownie Chia-Oats – More From Your Morning Mug

My mornings can’t be complicated. I have a hard enough time getting out of bed at 5:15 am and then am greeted by a dog extremely needy for attention, kids to get ready for school, email to respond to, social media to monitor and loads of other things – like dishes and laundry! All this needs to happen before I head out the door for my run or gym time– and, believe me, that’s non-negotiable. I need a breakfast that is pretty much ready and waiting for me!

Warm Mocha Brownie Overnight Chia Oats

 

chocolate orange pistachio smoothie bowl with almond breezeIn the summer, a smoothie bowl (like my Orange Pistachio Almond Bowl one make with Almond Breeze Chocolate Almondmilk) or cold Greek yogurt and fruit are just fine, but in the winter, I need and easy, quick breakfast that will fuel me through my workout and warm me up from the inside. My recipe for Warm Overnight Java Brownie Chia-Oats to the rescue – it’s my hybrid take on traditional overnight oats and chia puddings.

This healthy breakfast recipe takes just a few minutes to prep  – I do it after dinner when I’m making the kids’ lunchboxes because it needs at least 3 hours to sit in the fridge and do its thing. In the morning, the nutritious ingredients absorbed the liquid and await a quick blast in the microwave to warm. I can usually barely wait to get my hands on that hot mug of goodness! You can also eat this the chia oats cold too, I just prefer hot!

Time saving tip: Mix up everything in the microwave-safe mug or bowl you plan to eat from – who has time for extra dish washing?!Warm Mocha Brownie Overnight Chia Oats

Since you know I’m a healthy food and fitness nerd, let me just tell you about some of the awesome ingredients in this easy overnight oat recipe and how each helps support optimal health and peak performance for your sport.

Almond Milk*: With just 30 calories per 8-ounce serving, almondmilk is a sensible addition to any meal or recipe. It also has 50% more calcium than 2% dairy milk, is an excellent s source of vicatims D and E and is low on the Glycemic index.  Key for athletes is, adequate vitamin D levels promote good bone density, innate immunity, muscle wasting, and exercise-related inflammation and immunity. It is also suggested, this nutrient could help prevent stress fractures.

Whole Grain Oats: Oats are whole grain by nature add fill you up with lots of fiber, have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and help stabilize blood sugar. Athletes can count on the quality complex carbs in oats to provide non-crashing energy and to refuel muscles after a taxing workout. I really love the Nuts and Seeds Super Oats by LoveGrownFoods.com.

Chia Seeds: The industrious Aztecs had a good thing going with chia seeds. This ancient superfood is loaded with nutrition despite it’s teeny-tiny size. Just two tablespoons of chia seeds contains 10 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, more calcium than milk, more Omega-3s than salmon, more iron than spinach, and more antioxidants than blueberries.

Maca Powder: Nearly magical maca powder is derived from a root vegetable indigenous to Peru – don’t confuse it with Macha green tea powder. This natural boost has been prized for thousands of years for its ability to boost stamina, endurance and hormonal balance. It includes vital nutrients such fatty acids, fiber, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals. Don’t miss my past Maca Mint Chip Smoothie.

Cacao Powder: Cacao (or cocoa) powder has been linked to lower blood pressure, a boost in blood flow to the muscles, and reduced cardiovascular demand during exercise. Cacao powder also lowers an athletes perception of fatigue and the boost of caffeine has been shown to improve performance. The higher percentage of cacao in your powder, the better. Try this one.

Coffee: This essential morning elixir has been suggested to reduce the incidence of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and boost metabolism. It also actually has some beneficial nutrients like B vitamins, manganese and potassium and the natural epinephrine kick from the caffeine can improve focus and athletic performance.

*Typically, I purchase the chilled almond milk from the “dairy” aisle – however, I always like to stock the pantry with shelf-stable Almond Breeze Almondmilk so that I always have a supply on hand for emergency rations and 11th hour recipe inspirations.  

This single-serve make-ahead breakfast with chia and oats can be enjoyed warm or cold! With cocoa and coffee and a few chocolate chips, you'll be smiling in the morning! Let's get ready to meal prep!

Jennifer Fisher trail running Davis Mountans

What are your eating for breakfast these days?  Are you a fan of overnight oat or chia puddings? Did you run a race this weekend or do something fun in winter wonderland? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer

This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almondmilk. However, the recipes, opinions and enthusiasm are all my own. 

Warm Mocha Brownie Overnight Chia Oats
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
3 hrs 5 mins
 
A welcomed wake-up call and boost of sustaining morning energy, this easy make-ahead breakfast recipe gives you more out of your mug and more out of your day!
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee cooled a bit
  • 3/4 cup Almond Milk I used Almond Breeze Oiginal Almondmilk
  • 3 to 4 packets stevia
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 tsp maca powder
  • 5 tsp cacao powder
  • 1/3 cup oats
  • Optional Garnish chocolate chips & dollop of whipped cream or non-dairy alternative
Instructions
  1. Add coffee, almondmilk and stevia to mug, small bowl or mason jar and stir to combine.
  2. Add chia seeds, maca powder, cacao powder and oats and vigorously stir to combine well. Or, if using a lidded container, top with lid and simply shake to combine.
  3. Chill over night, or at least 3 hours, so that oats and chia absorb liquid.
  4. Before serving, microwave on 50% power to warm up, stirring as needed. If mixture seems to thick, stir in an additional splash of coffee or almond milk.
  5. If desired, top with a sprinkling of mini chocolate chips and dollop of whipped cream. May be eaten cold. Will stay good in the fridge for several days if you want to make ahead several batches.

Chocolate Maca Mint Chip Protein Smoothie – Hoping #FTW

Chocolate Maca Mint Chip Protein SmoothieIt is still smoothie time in the great ATX — it’s been in the high 90s this week! It’s so hot you can’t leave a bag of chocolate chips in the car for an hour — lesson learned. That being said, I’ll drink a smoothie (and eat deformed chocolate) pretty much anytime of the year . . . it’s such a quick and easy way to make a nourishing meal to take on the go.Chocolate Maca Mint Chip Protein Smoothie

Today, I’ve blended up a Chocolate Maca Mint Chip Smoothie for a slurpable, sweet and super healthy start to the day. Who doesn’t love a chocolate protein smoothie, it’s like drinking a milkshake for breakfast. I’ve added maca powder, ’cause that’s how I mix! Maca, a root vegetable indigenous to Peru, is a natural ingredient prized for thousands of years for its ability to boost stamina, endurance and hormonal balance. It includes vital nutrients such fatty acids, fiber, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals. Sign me up for all of this. Thank you maca powder!
maca, mint and chocolateTo add a flavor lift of mint, there are two options. You can use sprigs of fresh mint, which grows so abundantly for me in the summer. But, my fresh mint is looking pretty sad, so my tried-and-true swap in is Instantly Fresh Mint from Litehouse Foods — it’s dehydrated mint that is recipe ready any time of the year. One jar has the equivalent of three bunches of mint inside. Look for it in the produce section of your grocery store in little herb-sized jars — ask the produce manager.

Chocolate Maca Mint Smoothie

Chocolate Maca Mint Chip Smoothie

  • 8 ounce unsweetened almondmilk
  • 1/3 frozen large banana
  • 1 scoop protein powder of choice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons maca powder
  • 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon Instantly Fresh Mint (or fresh leaves)
  • 2 teaspoons mini chocolate chips

Add all ingredients to blender, adding ice as needed. Blend until smooth. Makes 1 serving!

 

So yeah, I’m going to me needed all the energy, endurance and stamina I can get — I have a bunch of races and competitions coming up. I signed up last minute to run the Hill Country Half Marathon in Marble Falls, Texas thus weekend — it’s hill out there y’all. When they keep focusing on the words “scenic,” “beautiful” and “stunning views,” you know that those hills are going to be tough. Also, I’ve got the Spartan Beast in Dallas, it’s an approximate 14 mile run with 30-ish obstacles. I’ve been having so much fun training for obstacle course races, it’s a nice shake up from the traditional marathons and road races I do. Then, of course, San Antonio Rock and Roll Marathon in early December.

Celebrating with friends at the end of Spartan Race.It’s not too late to join me! Dallas Beast, October 31 and November 1, 2015, Sign Up Now for this Reebok Spartan Race! Save 10% and use discount code FINISH at checkout!

What are YOU drinking this week? What are YOU racing this month? Please share in the comments below – XOXO Jennifer

 

Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Pudding for the Win! #MeatlessMondayNight

This blog post was sponsored by Silk but the opinions are all my own.

What happens when professional football and feeding the family a vegetarian meal collide – its #MeatlessMondayNight !! So, if your stomach is growling, get ready to rumble, there are so many meal and dessert options that don’t feature meat or dairy products. I’ll get to the entrée later, but let’s talk dessert first!

Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Puddings make a sweet and light ending to any meal!While I eat with my health in mind and look at food as a way to fuel my body for running, yoga and Crossfit, I also think it should taste fantastic – and should include room for the occasional sensible snack and dessert.  To satisfy my sweet tooth after a Meatless Monday dinner, I’ve whipped up these easy Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Puddings that my whole family loves.Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Puddings made with Silk Soymilk

Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Puddings make the perfect, light addition to your football game night spread – especially if everyone has been filling up on heavy dips and appetizers.  I’ve also served the individual-sized portions in clear plastic cups for easy clean up at tailgating parities.  Just fill the disposable cups up with pudding, cover with plastic wrap and then place in a cooler along with a can of dairy-free topping for that special touch.

Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Puddings in Shooter Glasses

Glass of Silk Soymilk

Great in recipes, but Silk Vanilla Soymilk is also yummy by the glassful!

These Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Puddings can be served in 2 ounce shooter glasses for a fancy presentation at a cocktail parting or holiday gathering.  I’ve made the recipe with Silk Vanilla Soymilk, but you can easily swap in Silk Almondmilk, Silk Cashewmilk or Silk Coconutmilk.  Compared to traditional cannoli made with full-fat ricotta cheese, heavy cream and lots of oil from frying the shells, my pudding version will keep you light on your feet!

 

If you’re a meat-eater (and I unapologetically am), why not join in the #MeatlessMondayNight challenge along with me? You don’t have to give up your meat every night of the week, just incorporate a vegetarian meal once a week, like for Monday night football games this season!  Personally, I am never going to give up meat all together, I’m just into a varied diet with lean proteins including meat, poultry, fish, and plant-based protein along with colorful produce in season – my personal hashtag should be #AllTheFoods !  The products from Silk work so well in all my recipes and make it easier to attain this once-a-week change.

meatless monday meal inspiration

Check out my meatless recipes above, and also visit Silk to for their collection of plant-based protein dishes. .

Any vegetarian football game appetizers or desserts in your repertoire? Who are you rooting for this football season?  Please share in the comments below — XOXO, Jennifer

This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Chocolate Cannoli Pudding for the Win!
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 
End your Meatless Monday on a sweet note with this quick and easy dairy-free dessert option that uses Silk soymilk. #MeatlessMondayNight
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 4-serving box sugar-free chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups Silk Vanilla Soymilk may substitute cashewmilk, almond milk or coconutmilk
  • 1/2 cup diary-free ricotta substitute I used "Tofutti" brand
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 2/3 cup non-dairy whipped topping
  • 2 tablespoons non-dairy chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons shelled, chopped pistachios
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
  • 4 wafers, waffle cone wedges, etc I used 34 Degrees Original Crisps
Instructions
  1. Add pudding mix, soymilk, ricotta substitute, cinnamon and allspice in bowl. Whisk together for several minutes until well combined and beginning to thicken.
  2. Pour into ramekins or shooter glasses and let chill for at least 30 minutes.
  3. To serve, top with whipped topping, chocolate chips and pistachios.

DIY Popcorn Shakin’ Cups – Mess Free Mix-ins – Pop Secret Popcorn

Enjoy family movie night with Pop Secret popcorn and this genius container hack for serving up the snack!

The end of summer is especially bittersweet this year, not just because our leisure time is coming to an end (well, the kiddos’ respite anyway), but my oldest is heading off to college. Yup, that’s right – this mama bear is letting go of a cub and even with my stoic sensibilities, I’m getting a little choked up just typing out the words. With the Big Boy literally leaving the den in 10 days, our family movie nights seem even more special this summer.

Add your favorite ingredients to customize Pop Secret Popcorn flavors.

Movie night is a great excuse to hang out together (an increasing rarity in the teenage years), have some laughs, engage in some invaluable pre and post movie discussions – and, naturally, share some yummy Pop Secret popcorn and sensible snacks together!

Popcorn with Chocolate Chips and Almonds makes a healthy salty-sweet snack!

Now, over these last 18 years of watching movies with my kids, I’ve learned a several things. First, my lone female vote in a house with four male people means I don’t have a say in what we watch – we’ve made the natural boy progression from non-princess Disney productions to action and shoot-em-up flicks. Not a lot of romantic comedies and historical fiction in the DVR queue – of all the guy movies we watch, I like the superhero stuff best – that’s why I’m pretty pumped to have just watched the 2005 version of “Fantastic Four” in preparations for the reboot coming to theaters. By the way, if you Buy any 3 Pop-Secret items between 7/31 – 8/31 and get a Free ticket to the Fantastic Four movie (up to $5) while supplies last

Make these DIY Popcorn Shakin' Cups for your next party or family movie night.

The second important thing I’ve learned is that no matter the age, boys are just messy – and this includes my husband to a degree. Sharing one big bowl of popcorn means crushed kernels left all over the floor and greasy finger being wiped off on the couch. Hello, napkin? And, of course there will always be a bit of sibling squabbling over who gets to hold the bowl, who’s hogging all the food and exactly what toppings are put on the popcorn. To resolve these irritating movie-time issues, I came up with this a great popcorn-eating hack that will rock your socks off – Popcorn Shakin’ Cups!

These Popcorn Shakin’ Cups allow 1) everyone to have their own portion of popcorn, 2) customizable “mix ins” to be added and neatly shaken up to combine, and 3) the popcorn to be eaten straight from the lid opening to mouth (meaning no messy fingers)! Yes, I know – GENIUS!

Putting popcorn and custom mix-in ingredients into cups with domed lids is an easy and mess-free way to make and eat!

It’s easy to put together your own Popcorn Shakin’ Cups -purchase tall, clear plastic cups (mine are 20-ounce but I’ve seen them larger) and domed lids (usually found at an industry or party warehouse or sweet talk your convenience store for some shake/slurpee lids). Next fill with popcorn and your favorite mix-ins – I did almonds and chocolate chips, but Parmesan cheese and garlic salt, or cinnamon sugar and pecans are other yummy popcorn ideas. Add a cute label if you like –and that’s it! Eat, enjoy and toss – no clean up! Great for a party!Popcorn is perfect for family movie night -- you'll love these DIY popcorn cups.

I picked up my mom-of-teenage-boys-sized haul of Pop Secret at Walmart – I got the Sea Salt flavor for movie night plus an extra box of the Pop Secret 100 Calorie Pop 94% Fat Free Kettle Corn for me to keep on hand for sensible snacking in the afternoon. Also, note to self – perhaps I should buy Pop Secret popcorn flavors by the cart full because a variety of boxes would be great to slip into oldest son’s college care packages since he has a dorm microwave.

Have you seen any good movies this summer? What is your favorite popcorn flavor or mix-in?

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Pop Secret, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #pop4Fantastic4 http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Chocolate Orange Pistachio Smoothie Bowl #EasyAsBreeze

This “Easy as Breeze” post is sponsored by Almond Breeze Almondmilk. For more “Easy As Breeze” recipes made with five ingredients or less, visit Almond Breeze on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Keep things simple and sweet with this 4 ingredient Chocolate Mandarin Orange Pistachio Smoothie Bowl.

Summer should be a laid back season where kicking back, relaxing and living the easy life is top priority – but, DANG, I’m busier than ever.  Between juggling work projects, shuttling kids to far-away camps, getting my workouts accomplished (that’s a non-negotiable) and lots of organizing and shopping getting my oldest ready to head off to college, I need a break. If I can’t get a break, I at least need things to be easier – like no make-up, breakfast-for-dinner, do-your-own-laundry easy.

One way to keep life easy is to make uncomplicated yet healthy meals and snacks with five ingredients or less – and especially with ingredients that can be stocked in the pantry so there’s no rushing off to the store. I also have a little secret, when the stress starts piling up, I turn to chocolate (gasp). But, I’ve found several healthy ways to satisfy my sweet tooth without completely falling off the semi clean-eating wagon.  One of my treats is a carton of plain Greek yogurt with a bit of flavored Stevia chocolate syrup mixed in along my favorite cereal on top for crunch, don’t worry it’s gluten-free, bean-blend Power Os!

Chocolate Almond Milk and protein bites -- a great snack!But, HELLO, chocolate! The Chocolate Almond Breeze Almondmilk, is pure heaven. It’s rich and creamy and only has 120 calories per 8 ounce serving – plus, it boasts 50% more calcium than milk.  Even though I don’t have any dietary restrictions, this beverage is ideal for vegans and those with food allergies – there is no dairy, soy, lactose, cholesterol, peanuts, casein, gluten, eggs, saturated fat or MSG. Plus did I mention you can buy it either on the refrigerated dairy section or shelf-stable on the  cereal aisle? It’s just super yummy to drink by the glass full!

Chocolate Orange Pistachio Smoothie Bowl made with Almond Breeze

Chocolate Orange Pistachio Smoothie Bowl horizontalShelf stable means I can keep a carton on hand at all times to curb my chocolate needs – and along with a snack pack of Mandarin oranges, mini chocolate chips and pistachios, I’ve created an “Easy as Breeze” Chocolate Orange Pistachio Bowl simplify and sweeten my summer. Check out the printable recipe below!

Coconut Chia Smoothie Bowl makes a quick, easy and healthy breakfast or post-workout snack.If you love smoothie bowls and exotic spices, you’ll love this Coconut Chai Smoothie Bowl I whipped up earlier in the season with the Unsweetened Almond Coconut Milk from Almond Breeze along with chai spices, cacao nibs and hemp seeds.

 

Other ways I’m keeping summer easy-breezy and as stress-free as possible is by avoiding rush-hour traffic, taking a break from cleaning the house, living in my workout clothes (oh yeah, that’s nothing new), and making meals that don’t require an oven.

How are you making summer easier on yourself? Please share in the comments below! XOXO, Jennifer

Chocolate Orange Pistachio Smoothie Bowl
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 
Perfect for a summer breakfast or refreshing post-workout treat -- easy to make and cools you off in the summer.
Course: Beverage, Dessert, Smoothies, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 person
Ingredients
  • 12 ounces Chocolate Almondmilk Almond Breeze
  • handful ice
  • 4 ounces Mandarin oranges drained or can use fresh segmented
  • 1/2 tablespoon chopped pistachios
  • 1 teaspoon mini chocolate chips more if you must 🙂
Instructions
  1. Add chocolate almond milk and ice to blender, frappe until well blended. Pour in bowl and let set up in freezer for a couple minutes if needed.
  2. Top with oranges, pistachios and chocolate chips. Enjoy.