Low Calorie Breakfast Dairy Free That Keeps You Full
Mornings can be crazy, right? That’s why I’m obsessed with this low calorie breakfast dairy free option—it’s my go-to when I need something nourishing but don’t have time to fuss. Just oats, almond milk, and a handful of pantry staples come together in under 10 minutes. Honestly, I’ve made this so often I could probably do it half-asleep (and some days, I do!). As someone who’s always testing healthy recipes, I love that it’s packed with fiber, keeps me full, and tastes like a cozy hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Low Calorie Breakfast Dairy Free
Trust me, this isn’t just another boring bowl of oats. Here’s why it’s become my weekday hero:
- Faster than your snooze button: Ready in under 10 minutes—even my groggy morning self can handle that!
- Keeps you full for hours: Between the chia seeds and oats, it’s packed with fiber and plant-based protein that actually sticks with you.
- Sweet without the guilt: The banana and dash of cinnamon make it taste indulgent, but there’s zero refined sugar (unless you drizzle that optional honey—no judgment here!).
Bonus? It’s like a blank canvas—I’ve topped it with everything from berries to almond butter when I’m feeling fancy.
Ingredients for Low Calorie Breakfast Dairy Free
Here’s the magic lineup – just six simple ingredients that I always have on hand. Honestly, half of them are probably sitting in your pantry right now!
- 1 cup rolled oats (I use gluten-free when my sister visits – she never notices the swap!)
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk – the creamy base that makes it dairy-free
- 1 tbsp chia seeds – these little guys thicken everything up beautifully
- 1/2 banana, thinly sliced – trust me, thinner slices melt into the oats better
- 1 tsp honey (optional, but I always add just a drizzle – my sweet tooth wins every time)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon – the cozy flavor that makes it taste like a treat
See? Nothing fancy – just real food that actually keeps you full. The best part is you can eyeball most of these measurements if you’re in a real hurry!
How to Make Low Calorie Breakfast Dairy Free
Okay, let’s get cooking! This is so easy you’ll wonder why you ever skipped breakfast before. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a warm, satisfying bowl in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Oats
Grab your smallest pot (no need to dirty a big one!) and pour in that almond milk. Warm it over medium heat until you see little bubbles forming around the edges – about 2 minutes. Now dump in the oats and give it a good stir. Here’s my trick: stir every minute or so for about 5 minutes total. This prevents clumps and makes everything beautifully creamy.
Step 2: Add Chia and Cinnamon
When the oats have thickened enough to coat the back of your spoon, it’s time for the magic makers! Sprinkle in the chia seeds and cinnamon. Now stir like you mean it – about 30 seconds should do it. You want those chia seeds evenly distributed so they can work their thickening magic.
Step 3: Rest and Serve
Turn off the heat and walk away – seriously! Let it sit for 2 minutes (perfect time to slice that banana). The oats will soak up any extra liquid and become perfectly creamy. Now pour it into your favorite bowl, arrange those banana slices on top, and drizzle with honey if you’re feeling sweet. Enjoy immediately – that first warm, cinnamon-y bite is absolute bliss!
Tips for the Best Low Calorie Breakfast Dairy Free
After making this nearly every morning for months (okay, years), here are my foolproof tricks for perfection:
- Spotty bananas are your friend – The riper they are, the sweeter your oats will taste without any added sugar.
- Want pudding-like thickness? Add an extra teaspoon of chia seeds and let it sit overnight – transforms into breakfast dessert!
- Leftover hack: When reheating, stir in a splash of almond milk to bring back that creamy texture.
Bonus tip: I sometimes add a pinch of salt to really make the flavors pop – sounds weird but trust me on this!
Ingredient Substitutions
Life happens, and sometimes you’re out of an ingredient—no stress! Here are my tried-and-true swaps that keep this breakfast dairy-free and delicious:
- Out of almond milk? Oat milk makes it extra creamy, or coconut milk adds tropical vibes (just shake the can well first!).
- No honey? Mash 1-2 medjool dates into the warm oats—they dissolve into natural caramel-like sweetness.
- Chia seeds MIA? Flaxseeds work in a pinch, though they won’t thicken quite as much.
My golden rule? Whatever you swap, taste as you go—every alternative brings its own personality to the bowl!
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? No problem! Just pour your oats into an airtight container (I reuse old jam jars – so handy!) and pop it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat again, warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of almond milk to bring back that creamy texture. Pro tip: stir frequently – reheated oats love to stick to the pan if you’re not paying attention!
Nutritional Information
One bowl of this goodness packs about 280 calories, 8g of filling fiber, and 8g of plant-based protein. Remember—nutritional values are estimates and vary based on brands used. (Yes, I’ve taste-tested enough almond milks to know the difference!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use steel-cut oats?
You absolutely can, but fair warning—they’ll change the game completely! Steel-cut oats give a wonderful chewy texture, but they take about 20-25 minutes to cook (and more liquid—try 2 cups almond milk). I love them when I’ve got extra time, but on rushed mornings, rolled oats are my speed.
Is this recipe vegan?
Almost! Just skip the honey to keep it fully plant-based. The banana and cinnamon make it sweet enough that I don’t miss the honey when I’m doing vegan weeks. For a fun twist, try swirling in a spoonful of maple syrup instead—it adds the loveliest autumnal flavor.
How can I reduce calories further?
Easy tweaks! Cut the banana to 1/4 (or swap for 1/4 cup berries), skip the honey, and use 1 cup almond milk instead of 1 1/2. The chia seeds will still thicken it nicely. Honestly though? I think the original 280 calories is a steal for how filling it is—but I get it when every bite counts!
PrintLow Calorie Breakfast Dairy Free That Keeps You Full
A simple and nutritious low-calorie breakfast option that is dairy-free. Perfect for a quick meal to start your day.
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Cook Time: 7 mins
- Total Time: 9 mins
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 banana, sliced
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small pot, heat almond milk over medium heat.
- Add rolled oats and stir occasionally until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in chia seeds and cinnamon.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 2 minutes.
- Top with banana slices and drizzle honey if desired.
Notes
- Use gluten-free oats if needed.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
