Chocolate Chip PB2 Oatmeal

 Since having a baby six months ago, I have been on the dreaded weight loss journey. This little beauty has taken me through the cravings for chocolate, and given me the bulk to fill up my stomach and stay off the extra snacks. I am still not back where I was before pregnancy, but I'm down 30 lbs (just over half way in my journey!), and this has been something I eat almost every day. It's quick and easy and can be eaten for any meal or late night snack. I actually look forward to eating it every day, and even prefer to eat this over ice cream several nights a week. (WHAT??! Girl take it easy on the broccoli! You've forgotten what real food tastes like, you say.) Really- I love this stuff! it's given me joy in the journey.

Here are the ingredients you will need:
2/3 cup water
1/3 cup oatmeal
1/3 cup milk (I use 1%)
1 banana
1 TBSP chocolate chips
1 1/2 tsp PB2 peanut butter powder (or any peanut butter powder- I like Jif's version, too)
1/2 tsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla
a couple dashes of salt

I'm a big oatmeal eater, and these are my staple ingredients: water, oatmeal, milk and bananas. Most of the time I make my oatmeal in the microwave. But if I'm making it for my whole family, I'll throw the water and oatmeal in my rice cooker (a life changing discovery when I found the oatmeal button on the front!) just before I run upstairs to wake up the kids. By the time we're clothed, deodorized and ready for the day, the oatmeal is cooked to the perfect temperature, and ready to dress up.

So once you have your oatmeal and water cooked up, you add the flavorings: brown sugar, peanut butter powder, and vanilla. I stir it up just a bit till blended, then add the banana and milk. This is where I like to add a couple dashes of salt. Now for the chocolate chips. This is a matter of personal preference. Some of my children like to add in the chocolate and then swirl it around so it is is more of a chocolate oatmeal. But I like to let my oatmeal cool a bit so the chips are a bit melty when I eat them, but still maintain some of their shape. Think of a hot chocolate chip cookie....gooey and amazing...with more concentrated pockets of chocolate.

And here it is. My guilty pleasure in moderation. This recipe is also an easy one to customize for those who may be dairy free or gluten free. Just switch up the milk to almond/rice/etc, make sure your oats truly are GF, and read your labels on the chocolate chips. 

I'm always looking for another delicious healthy food to look forward to, so I won't be feeling deprived. What are some of your favorite healthy things to eat that get you through the munchies?