Coconut Chia 'Oatmeal'

I've said that I don't like eating "replacement carbs" because they just seems to trick my brain into wanting REAL carbs. I know, I know...

But this is so tasty and it's just a little sweet, and it's warm and comforting and I love, love, LOVE hot cereal.

It's like a hug from the inside on chilly mornings. 

While I don't eat this cereal every day, it's a great on-the-go alternative that can be prepped ahead of time and brought with you to "JUST ADD WATER" once you get to work, after the gym, whenever. 

It's warm and comfy and reminds me of eating Cream of Wheat as a kid. 

And you can make it just the way YOU like it. 

*Please note that flax can affect estrogen and estrogen metabolism, both positively and negatively. I've halved the amount of flax in this recipe, but if you wish to remove it completely, the cereal will be just as good without it. (You might try almond flour, walnut meal or psyllium husk instead of flax, but I haven't tested those substitutions and any modifications will affect the nutritional information).  

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Coconut Chia "Oatmeal" 

Per 1/4 cup serving: 138 calories, 12g fat, 4g protein, 9g carbs (7g fiber). Any additional ingredients will change the nutritional info.  Recipe makes 4 cups dry cereal mix (qty 16 servings at 1/4 cup each) 

INGREDIENTS: 

2 cups Shredded Coconut 

1- 1/2 cup Whole Chia Seeds

1/2 cup Ground Flax (golden flax will have a lighter taste and color, but both golden and standard flax will work)

2 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon (love Penzey's Cinnamon Blend, but any good quality cinnamon will work)

 3-4 Tbsp low carb granular sweetener of choice such as Swerve, Lakanto, Stevia, etc.

To Serve: 

Boiling water

Optional Add Ins: vanilla extract, heavy cream, coconut milk, almond milk, no sugar flavored syrup, walnuts, pecans, almonds, protein powder, collagen powder, or whatever you prefer.

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INSTRUCTIONS:

To Prep:

Add coconut, chia, flax, cinnamon and granulated sweetener to a medium sized container with a tight fitting lid. Stir to combine. Store in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use. 

To Serve: 

Measure 1 part dry cereal mix to 2 parts boiling water in a medium size bowl (For example: 1/4 cup dry cereal mix to 1/2 cup boiling water.) 

Pour the hot water carefully to avoid splashing.

Stir and let stand for a few minutes to thicken. Add more water if needed.

(Alternately, you can add cool water, stir and microwave for 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.)

Add any other preferred add-ins (I like crushed walnuts or pecans) and stir to combine. 

Enjoy!!

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Let us know what you think of this recipe in the comments below. What did you add to make it perfect for you?