Fall has now arrived and is the perfect time of year to enjoy warm oatmeal for breakfast. A number of years ago I was working on a large health electronic transformation project as first an executive assistant and then as a governance coordinator as well as studying nutrition in the evening. My day could begin as early as 5:30 or 6:00 am to prepare for the first meetings of the day, with little or no time for a nourishing breakfast.

To assist with these early meetings I would prepare my oatmeal on the weekend in my slow cooker, which I feel every kitchen should have, for the work week. Once cooked I would freeze these in individual serving containers that I could take to work to enjoy after the first round of meetings.

On the days when my work day did not begin until closer to 8:00 am, I would take my breakfast out of the freezer the night before, in the morning warm this up in my mini slow cooker and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, sitting down, at home. This put back an extra 30 minutes in my morning.

What is in your oatmeal? Do you prepare your breakfast each morning or do you find a way to prepare this on the weekend to set yourself up well for the week? In making larger portions to freeze for multiple meals you will discover extra time in your day that creates greater space to pause and relax.

Recipe for 5 servings

1 cup Steel Cut Oats
¾ cup Chia Seeds
¾ cup Pumpkin Seeds
3 apples sliced (if you have mobility or strength issues in your hand, as I do, try dicing the apple or using your food processor or blender)
5 teaspoons Cinnamon
2 teaspoons Cloves
3 cups water
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring as needed. Let the oatmeal cool and put in smaller containers that you can freeze once the oatmeal has completely cooled down. I strongly recommend you freeze your breakfast in a container that looks different than what you freeze the left overs for lunch or dinner in.

To enjoy, warm up single servings in a smaller crockpot. In the work setting I try not to use the microwave, although at times it cannot be avoided. Once warmed up add 2 tablespoons of hemp hearts, yogurt or milk and enjoy.

What new ideas will you consider to spend a little extra time on the weekend to prepare your breakfast for the week? You will be amazed with the time you discover by making this the small change.

Be nourished in all you do.

At The Nourished Executive we coach leaders to invest in wellbeing, with a holistic lens, to prevent burnout.

Our founder, Sharon K. Summerfield,  is a Wellbeing Coach,  Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Smart Growth Advisor, with a demonstrated success in nurturing healthy employees and high performing organizations. 

We have a strong commitment to giving back, investing and supporting local community.