PB and Chocolate Oatmeal Bliss Light & Fit (Part 3)

Hi and welcome back! This is the third part of a three part series on making oatmeal a delicious part of your morning breakfast. Oatmeal has so many benefits to our bodies, but some people don't like it because it doesn't have a very strong flavor. We're in luck, though, because this means you can add many things to it to make it more enjoyable to your taste.

As you can see here in part 1 and here in part 2, peanut butter and chocolate are two are of my favorite flavors. These two flavors are also FANTASTIC in oatmeal. Some people really LOVE chocolate and peanut butter, but both foods contain a lot of calories and fat. This scares some of them off. As I point out in part 2, there is a huge obesity crisis going on in the world right now. It is REALLY scary to think of being a part of that statistic. The good news is that none of my recipes will make you obese. They are all made with substitutions and formed in a way to be healthy for us. Even with me saying that, some will refuse to make a Peanut Butter and Chocolate Oatmeal..even if it does have the word "bliss" in the title.

Here is where the third recipe comes in... PB and Chocolate Oatmeal Bliss Light and Fit. The word "light" makes people happy especially people watching their weight and their calories. The word "fit" is included because it has the added bonus of protein, and most people that work out and/or lift weights look for ways to add more protein into their diet. The way I do it is very simple, and it adds volume to your oatmeal. It's my little secret. I've been doing it for years, but I have never shared it for fear of people thinking it is weird. Well, I don't know why I was afraid of it because it is such a good idea that I should be happy to share it! Aren't you lucky?! :)

Can you guess what the secret ingredient is based on this picture?? Egg whites! Yes, you heard me right. Egg whites! I know you're thinking to yourself..ummmmm eggs in oatmeal?? But think about it. How many yummy sweet foods do we eat and enjoy that contain eggs? There are brownies, cookies, cakes, ect. If eggs are so good in those foods, why wouldn't they be good in oatmeal? Because egg whites barely have any flavor, you can not taste them at all. They just add volume and protein to the oats (which means you are eating a lot more without adding any sugar, carbs, or fat!). Isn't that grand?? I figured this little tip out when I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes with my first child. I love to eat and couldn't stand eating such small amounts of carbs. I need more food. I feel deprived if my bowl in barely filled. This not only gave me more to eat, but also kept me full longer because of the added protein. Now, I don't eat it any other way..unless someone else cooks for me of course.

Once everything is mixed together, it reminds me of a S'more.
Maybe I should've called this S'more Oatmeal...cause you'll always
want "some more" *wink*

PB and Chocolate Oatmeal Bliss Light & Fit
(Gluten free, dairy free, Vegetarian)
Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup old fashioned oatmeal
• 1/3 cup egg whites
• 2 tbs PB2
• 1/2 tbs cocoa, unsweetened
• 1-2 packets (2-4 tsp) Stevia or Splenda (depending on how sweet you want it)

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 oatmeal. Example: 1/3 cup of oatmeal and 2/3 cup of water.  
2. Cook in microwave for 1 minute until the oats are soft and barely any water is left. DO NOT COVER THE BOWL. (My microwave is VERY powerful and it only takes 1 minute. You do not want to fully cook the oatmeal at this point, but you do want most of the water gone with just a little left. If a lot of water is still left in your bowl, you need to cook in 30 second increments until it gets to where it needs to be.) 
3. Pour in the egg whites, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the eggs and oats are fully cooked. (You can tell that it is done when you move the bowl and the oats stay in place not sliding. If the oats are still moving continue to cook in 30 second increments until done.)
4. Be careful taking the bowl out of the microwave as it will be very hot.
5. Put the PB2, cocoa, and Stevia in the oatmeal and stir until mixed. 
6. Wait a couple of minutes for it to cool and then enjoy! If it's taking too long to cool, stick inside the refrigerator or freezer for a minute or two to shorten the wait time.

Nutrition Facts:
(1 serving)
Cals-197, Fat-3.5g , Carbs-25g, Fiber-.7g, Sugar-1.5g, Pro-18g

Compared to PB and Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bliss for Adults:
(with 1/3 cup oatmeal)
Cals-250, Fat-12g, Carbs-27g, Fiber-3g, Sugar-4.5g , Pro-7.5g