Chia Seed Oatmeal with Hemp Hearts and Sunflower Seeds

How do you bring the nutrition level of a bowl of oats to a whole new level? You add chia seeds, hemp hearts, and coconut of course! This gluten-free, plant-based Chia Seed Oatmeal recipe adds fiber, protein, healthy omega-3 fats, antioxidants, and important minerals to a nourishing breakfast.

It’s time to think outside of the typical cereal box! Real food for kids is just as important as real food for adults, and this recipe is a big step in the right direction.

A plain bowl of oats always leaves me hungry soon after finishing it. But, pairing this grain with nutrient dense fats and proteins drastically adds to the sustained energy level in this dish.

Even gluten-free grains don’t make up a large percentage of our family’s home cooked meals given our emphasis on a primal diet approach. But once every week or two we all (or at least the kids) enjoy some hot porridge with a side of extra protein (scrambled eggs, or chicken sausage), and this chia seed oatmeal cereal recipe is our go-to.

I add the oats, chia seeds, hulled hemp hearts, and salt right to a medium saucepan with some almond milk. Of course you could also use cow’s milk, macadamia milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk as well.

You may need to add a touch more liquid as the oats cook if they begin to dry out before they are fully tender — there can be variation due to the thickness of the rolled oats and the milk you choose for this recipe.

Giving everything a good stir and then bringing the pot to a simmer for about ten minutes allows the oats to cook, the chia seeds to soften, and the hemp seeds to release some nutty flavor.

Once the milk has been soaked up and the oats are cooked, adding in the coconut and sunflower seeds completes this texture, and flavor filled base. It’s now ready for any additional toppings — fresh berries, raisins, cinnamon, or extra milk. My kids like a little local honey drizzled on as well.

As written, this recipe serves one. If you have kids in your home who are working on multiplication tables, adjusting the recipe for the number of porridge eaters is great practice!

Adjusting the quantities in baking recipes can be a next-level activity for your math lovers. Try the Lemon Blueberry Chia Muffins to apply such skills in the kitchen.

I love the comforting and nourishing textures of this Chia Seed Oatmeal recipe, AND I love exposing my kids to a variety of textures from a young age. I think it keeps their mind open and curious. Plus chia seeds for kids is a great way to give them their required daily protein.

If your kids struggle with textures, you can set up an oatmeal bar and let them begin by adding their own shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, and toppings. You could even cook the oats on their own and offer the chia seeds and hulled hemp hearts on the side as well.

Be creative while remembering that exposure and modeling are two key elements to encouraging well-rounded eaters in the long run. Try this comforting make-ahead Apple Baked Oatmeal for more oatmeal flavors and textures.

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