Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie

The past two weeks, I have been totally crazed with having smoothies for breakfast. I don't know what sparked this obsession, but I have to say I am loving it.

I am usually pretty standard with my smoothie mix. Usually I'm talking frozen strawberries along with blueberries, a big scoop of natural peanut butter, honey and almond milk (tastes like PB&J, joyous!) Typical variations involve a super ripe banana, different frozen fruits, non-fat greek yogurt and a tablespoonful of chia seeds.

For some reason yesterday morning I got a little crazy and stepped up the smoothie game. Enter: Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie. It is so tasty and so fulfilling, it is sure to keep you feeling satisfied until lunchtime!

This is also a nutritious smoothie alternative that is totally dairy-free! It starts with prepared oatmeal. Now, I know this sounds weird, but it is actually a great way to make your smoothies rich and thick without milk or yogurt. I just combined 1/2 cup quick oats with 1 cup water and zapped it in the microwave for 2 minutes. When it was finished, I quickly stirred in a tablespoon of chia seeds to allow them to soften and expand.

When you're ready to make the smoothie, it of course cannot get any easier than this. Oatmeal, banana, cocoa powder, honey, almond milk and a handful of ice go into the blender until totally smooth. Just pour it in a tumbler and you're out the door ready to go!

There are plenty of variations you can make to this oatmeal smoothie base.

- Add a scoop of peanut butter for a Chocolate PB Smoothie
- Add a scoop of chocolate protein powder for a post-workout snack
- Replace the ice with frozen strawberries (or any berry for that matter!) for a chocolate covered strawberry smoothie

Give the original a try and then jazz it up into the smoothie of your dreams. Breakfast -- LITERALLY, so fast!

Here's what you need for Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie* (Print Recipe!)

1/2 cup quick oats
1 cup water
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 ripe banana
1 teaspoon or so honey
1 heaping tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup (or more, depending on taste) unsweetened original almond milk
handful of ice cubes

Here's what you do

Prepare the oatmeal. Combine oats and water in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Remove from the microwave and stir in the chia seeds. Set aside to cool.

Once the oats have cooled completely, combine all remaining ingredients in a blender with the oatmeal. Blend until smooth and creamy. You may have to stop and scrape down the sides once. Enjoy immediately.

Makes 1 serving.

*Gas Stove Girl Original Recipe