Overnight ChiaOat Smash

Hello everyone! It's Kasey Arena here.

I am so excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the DailyHiit blog. I've been a long time follower of the website & realized what an amazing community it had once I started to check it daily for workouts & inspiration! I personally come from a background of food allergies and intolerances ranging from gluten to almonds. Ever since I was in elementary school, I remember dealing with stomach issues that I deamed "normal" at the time. Having some food restrictions doesn't derail me from achieving my goals or creating new recipes for myself & others to enjoy. The beauty of this world is that we are all different & we can create our own paths while being inspired by others along the way. I think it's beautiful to not compare yourself to others, but to truly embrace yourself & your body.

When I'm in the kitchen my creative juices start to flow while using foods from my pantry or fridge to create a new recipe to share. I have a passion for cooking & baking with healthy gluten free foods to create powerful recipes! In order to reach our fitness goals we have to fuel our bodies with the right nutrients. Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring! It's important to eat food that not only nourishes our bodies but fuels our fitness.

One of my favorite ways to start the day & embrace that hunger in the morning is with Overnight ChiaOats! Basically a fusion of oatmeal & chia seeds combined together for a filling & powerful way to start your day.

Did you know that chia seeds are packed with Essential Fatty Acids, Fiber, Calcium, & Protein? Just to name a few! They also absorb liquid, expand, & make a gel like binding which makes them a great addition to recipes & helps clean out the digestive tract.

Basic Overnight ChiaOat Smash

1/2 Cup Rolled Oats

2 TB Chia Seeds

1 Cup of Liquid  -I like to use nut milk for creaminess!

Directions:

1) Combine oats, chia, & water in a bowl.

2) Heat in the Microwave for 2 minutes.

-You could also heat on a medium heat stove until thick.

4) Once heated, I cover & put into the fridge over night so that it's ready for me in the morning!

-You could also eat right away if you like it warm.

5) In the morning, I stir in cinnamon, liquid stevia drops, & a splash of vanilla extract.

I then smash it onto a plate & top with some fun toppings like fruit, melted coconut butter, & healthy chocolate sauce!

Yup, I said Chocolate for breakfast! It's one of my go-to recipes for a sweet chocolate fix.

• 2 TB Cocoa Powder
• A few drops of liquid stevia (or one packet of stevia)
• 2-3 TB water until thick (may need more or less depending on your desired consistency)

Hope you enjoy this recipe - it's a great way to get in some healthy fats, clean carbohydrates, & protein!

Be true to you, Kasey