PB and Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bliss for Kids (Part 2)

This is Part 2 in a three part series on how to incorporate extremely healthy oatmeal into your family's diet...with the added goodness of peanut butter and chocolate. You can find Part 1 focused toward adults here. Today our goal is feeding the kiddos. 

Don't you just love how bright my toddler's bowl and spoon are??

Many of us are concerned about the obesity epidemic spreading across our nation and even the world. We are not sure how much we should feed our children or how much they REALLY need to be nourished and healthy. Now, I'm the first to admit that chocolate chips are not the MOST healthy food in the world, but with my little picky eater I'm willing to throw in 6 tiny chocolate chips to get the healthy, natural, nutrient-filled peanut butter and whole grain, fiber-filled oatmeal into his belly. Since I have been praying about what to feed my children since birth and have been more and more interested in what they NEED for their growth and development as they get older, I have been doing some research. I would like to share a few links with you in case you too are interested in learning more about how to nourish our children in these crucial years of development or if you're just curious. I have also added three links on info for pregnant/nursing moms.

http://www.eatright.org/kids/article.aspx?id=6442459365 (a great article for toddlers/preschoolers!)

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/preschoolers.html (preschoolers)

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/kids/ParentsEducators.html (children beyond preschoolers)

http://www.parents.com/recipes/nutrition/how-much-does-my-kid-need-to-eat/ (ages 1-9)

http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/healthy_eating/breakfast.html (why breakfast is super important)

http://www.lancastergeneralhealth.org/LGH/ECommerceSite/media/LGH-Media-Library/Documents/Services/Service%20Lines/Healthy%20Weight%20Management/Fact%20Sheets/Nutrition-6-7-8-Years.pdf (6-8 years old)

http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/nutrition/Pages/A-Teenagers-Nutritional-Needs.aspx (ages 10 and up)

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/12466.php (for teenagers)

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=specialneed&dbid=6 (for teenagers)

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html (government based website for women)

http://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-diet.aspx (from "what to expect" website)

http://nourishingourchildren.wordpress.com/2012/08/03/the-optimal-diet-for-pregnant-and-nursing-mothers/ (for those interested in diets associated with the Weston A. Price foundation)

PB and Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bliss (for kids)
This could also be a great adult snack...

(Can be gluten free, dairy free, tree nut free, egg free, Vegan, Vegetarian)

Serves 1 (double recipe for 2)

Ingredients

• 1/4-1/2 cup of old fashioned oatmeal not cooked (Depends on how old your children are and how much they can eat.)
• 6 dairy free chocolate chips (You can add as many as you want. Sometimes I do up to 10 chips.)
• 1/2 tablespoon creamy natural peanut butter (or any nut butter you prefer)

Directions for Microwave 

(This method is quicker and easier if cooking for one person.)

1. Put oatmeal in a large microwave safe bowl. Pour in double the amount of water into the bowl. Example: 1/4 cup of oatmeal and 1/2 cup of water.  
2. Cook in microwave for 1-3 minutes until the oats are soft and no water is visible. DO NOT COVER THE BOWL. (My microwave is VERY powerful and it only takes 1 minute. The oatmeal container suggests up to 3 minutes, so I would try 1 minute and if it's still watery cook in 30 minute increments until done.) 
3. Be careful taking the bowl out of the microwave as it will be very hot. 
4. Place the oatmeal into a child-size bowl.
5. Put the peanut butter in the oatmeal and stir until mixed.
6. Drop the 6 chocolate chips into the bowl and stir. These will melt into the hot oatmeal. 
7. Wait a couple of minutes for it to cool and then enjoy! 

Directions for Stove

(This way will be much easier if cooking for more than one person. These directions are for 2 servings of 1/2 cup of dry oats each.)

1. Boil 1 3/4 cups of water in a pot on the stove. 
2. Stir in 1 cup of oats. 
3. Cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat; stir occasionally.
4. Once done, put half of the oatmeal into one bowl and the other half into another bowl. 
5. Put 1/2 tablespoon peanut butter into each bowl and stir until mixed. 
6. Drop 6 chocolate chips into each bowl and stir.
7. Wait a couple of minutes for it to cool and then enjoy! 

Nutrition Facts: 
(1 serving made with 1/4 cup of dry oatmeal)
Cals-150, Fat-6.5g, Carbs-18g, Fiber-1.5g, Sugar-3.5g , Pro-4.5g

(1 serving made with 1/2 cup of dry oatmeal)
Cals-225, Fat-7.8g, Carbs-32g, Fiber-3.5g, Sugar-3.5g, Pro-7.5g