(Should you not be the least interested in my daily diet, feel free to skip to the recipe…I don’t blame you for a second!).
Now, let me just say that I’ve resisted this post not because I don’t want to share or I don’t think it’s a good idea. My biggest issue is that I am an inveterate snacker, a “grazer”, if you will, so three square a day is not my usual routine. I am also the opposite of a creature of habit, I like huge amounts of variety, so what I eat changes greatly day-to-day. My typical day is very un-typical. Plus I am also really lazy and a post like this is much harder to write than a cute little anecdote about the recipe. But as I have also come up with a great new recipe for breakfast, that also happens to have fueled me through a grueling 14-mile run, I figured it was time to share.
Breakfast: I am usually up by 5am, and I start every morning with a cup of coffee with cream. That’s probably the only thing that remains standard from day to day. After that, it’s some sort of low-carb baked good (homemade, natch!), because I love muffins and scones and such with my coffee. If I don’t have some baked goods on the go, I am at a loss and that’s when I am more likely to eat something I shouldn’t. So I try to have something made the majority of the time. Now that I’ve come up with this low carb hot cereal recipe, I have that to fall back on (and it’s good! And it fuels you through 14 rainy miles!).
Mmmm, hello delicious Chocolate Pecan Pie Muffins!Second breakfast/snack: When you’re up as early as I am, second breakfast is almost mandatory. And if I’ve gone for a run, I usually come home starving. That’s where the omelets and veggies come in. A 2 egg omelet with cheese and half an avocado is pretty typical, and maybe some tomato slices. If I don’t have an omelet, then it might be full-fat Greek yogurt with some nuts or berries on top.
Lunch: I’ll be honest, I don’t usually have a proper lunch. I am often full from my omelet and working hard in the middle of the day, so I snack on nuts, maybe a few slices of cheese, and some steamed vegetables with walnut oil. Plus I often eat a few bites (at least!) of whatever I am taking pictures of for this blog. If I do feel the need for a bigger meal, it’s usually leftovers from the night before, some meat or fish and some vegetables.
Snacks: I do love my snacks, and I spend much of the afternoon snacking. Half an apple, veggies, peanuts, maybe a muffin or low carb treat (homemade, natch!). In a pinch when I need fast energy, a scoop of peanut butter on a spoon.
Dinner: Dinner is easy. Well, maybe not so easy when you have three kids to feed. My kids are not that picky, but they have their likes and dislikes and it can be a struggle to find things that all three will eat. And I refuse to cook separate meals for everyone just because I am a diabetic, so they are learning to like the food I put in front of them. And it’s pretty darn great food, in my opinion. Often it is meat, chicken or fish, with a huge salad or several servings of vegetables. My kids do eat salad. And they like their broccoli, red pepper and carrots, so dinner is time to chow down on the veggies. If we don’t have meat or fish, we have something with eggs or tofu. Protein, fat and vegetables make up the bulk of our dinners.
Dessert: If you read this blog, you know I love dessert. I have seemingly devoted my life to creating desserts that people following a low carb, gluten-free diet can enjoy. And as far as I am concerned, it’s a very noble cause indeed! So yes, I always have dessert. Sometimes twice a day. And sometimes for breakfast. Because the great thing about low carb dessert is that there is no sugar or flour, and it’s about as healthy as anything else you could put into your mouth, so why not???
Total Carbs: In a day, I probably hit between 70 to 100 g of carbs. That’s not as low as some people go, I realize. I am fortunate in several ways…that I am slender and fit as it is, and that my diabetes stays well-controlled in this range. But I am mindful of every single bite I put in my mouth. I balance it out, I think ahead, I know when I’ve had too much and need to compensate. And I sometimes fail. Like anyone, I am human and I have my weaknesses and temptations. There are days when I am drawn to the things I know I shouldn’t eat, and I give in. But what’s astonishing is how “controlled” my indulgences are now. There is always that little voice in my head letting me know I could be damaging my health beyond control should I go too far. I thank goodness for that little voice – it saves me some guilt now, and it will surely save my health later on.
And now, to the recipe. This seemed like a great recipe to pair with a post about my daily diet, because I have to say, this one is going to be a keeper. It’s an ideal breakfast, since it’s easy to make, super healthy and keeps me full for a while (a rare feat of any breakfast food for me). As I said, it recently fueled me through a 14-mile run and I never needed anything else except water. I call it “cream of wheat” because that’s what it tastes like, although there is no wheat within 14 miles of it. It’s mostly chia seed and flax seed meal. I am fairly new to chia seeds and they make me laugh. They are so goopy and sludgy, you can’t imagine why anyone would want to actually eat them. And then you do eat them, and they taste great and give you lots of energy. They are apparently the superfood that the amazing lost tribe of ultra-runners in Born to Run eat, so I figured they were worth a shot.
Thumbs up…it tastes great and is perfect on a cold fall morning. Try it with some nut butter mixed in for extra energy.
Grain-Free Hot Cereal
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp chia seed
- 2 tbsp flax seed meal
- 2 tsp Swerve Sweetener, or other erythritol
- 1/3 cup hot water
- 2 tbsp heavy cream, (optional)
- 2 tbsp nut butter, (optional)
- Berries, (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together chia seed, flax seed meal, and Swerve.
- Add hot water, stir and let sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in cream, nut butter, berries, raisins, chopped nuts... whatever floats your boat.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I am simply recounting and sharing my own experiences on this blog. Nothing I express here should be taken as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. I provide nutritional information for my recipes simply as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using MacGourmet software and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count, as it does not affect my own blood glucose levels. I do my best to be as accurate as possible but you should independently calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on them. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.
Free Bonus: Secrets to Keto Baking!
Sign up for your favorite recipes delivered straight to your inbox plus get our FREE bonus: Secrets to Keto Baking!
I finally got my order of chia seeds and Swerve in and this morning I tried this *cereal*. First I have to say that I subbed out the water for unsweetened almond milk – I always preferred my cream of wheat made with milk – added 1/2 c. red raspberries and the cream but passed on the nut butters (this time). OMG — this was so wonderfully delicious!! Really was a *cream of wheat* type experience. I’ll be making this again and again 🙂
Blessings~Gail
Boy this looks deliciously healthy!
Thank you so much for the yummy hot cereal. I have made something similar with almond meal and flax but I love the chia seeds !!! I am a Type 1 diabetic diagnosed at age 46. I am 50 now and living and loving the low carb life. It’s great sites like yours that keep diversity in our diets while keeping the blood sugar in range. Like you, I am a runner. I just completed my first marathon (Chicago) two weeks ago and am set to do another in January1 Keep on cooking and keep on running !!!
I had to laugh reading your post of your daily diet eating habits…. You sound just like me! Thanks so much for sharing your recipes, it makes it so much easier to find more great low carb recipes to add to my weekly meal plan! Thanks goodness for people like you who take the time to do that!
Found your blog a few weeks ago. I’ve was a LC’r for about 2 years then started cheating. Previously, I shunned all sugar, but I think that set me up for failure. Then I found your blog, and I’ve tried this recipe plus chocolate pecan pie muffins and your pumpkin bran muffins. I have to say “YUMMY” to all of them. I’ve had this grain free hot cereal several mornings in a row. It carries me to lunch with no problems. I’m so glad I found your blog! Thanks for sharing,
So very glad to hear it!
I’ve been doing the Laura Dolson’s Flaxseed Meal/PB Hot *cereal* and LOVE it but am looking to mix it up. My question: Are the chia seeds whole or is it meal too? Thank you for great recipes. I have been a LC’er for the past 2-1/2 years and have lost a a total of 110lbs with another 8 or so to go. Love the LC lifestyle. Oh, and I am 52 and last month RAN my first 10k.
Gail Blain Prather
I have been yearning for easy hot cereal for 15 years. I tried a couple that were SO complicated then gave up. I can’t wait to start tomorrow. BTW I LOVE grits so I’ll be trying my hot cereal savory style with bacon salt, cheese and Louisiana Hot Sauce!
oh my.. you gave me such a Lord of the Rings flashback! Second breakfast is as you may or may not know a concept well loved by hobbits!
Thanks for sharing!
I look forward to a pantry post..
I may be related to hobbits then. Smaller feet, though…
I made this, this morning and man was I surprised at how yummy it was. I wasn’t too sure it would be because the chia seeds are like goop when I have used them before. I liked this recipe and will be using it often! I add water to my chia seeds and let it soak overnight and drink it throughout the day. Its really a great food…
I was suprised at how good it was too! They certainly are goopy…
Yay, I’m glad you wrote this post! And you know, it’s the goopy sludginess that makes me love chia seeds. I guess it’s because it reminds me of Jello, which I don’t eat anymore. 🙂
super fabulous idea Carolyn! You are the best!
My hubby bought a packet of chia seeds, I will make this hot cereal. Looks delicious.
I reAlly miss cream of wheat and this looks good. I have never seen chia seeds in the store. Do you think this would be good if I just added more flax meal?
Honestly, no. Chia seeds get sort of gummy when you add water, which helps thicken the whole thing. You might try ordering some online. Do you have a Trader Joe’s near you?
U could experiment with ground psyllium husk (if u can find them!) They have a similar gloppy effect. 🙂
When I had covid-19 the only food that sounded good was hot cereal. I here tried multiple recipes during my keto years but I wanted something simple my husband or kids could fix for me. Your recipe for the bill. It was delicious too! I did figure out I prefer it with 2/3 cup hot water and 2T macadamia nut milk. I like my hot cereals a little more on the runny side. I also used a pinch of pure monkfruit powder as my sweetener because I try to limit my sugar alcohol consumption when possible.
I am so sorry you had COVID! Hope you’re feeling much better.
That is really nice! I didn’t realize how much I missed hot cereal! thanks
I used to be a grazer as well for many years. I still tend to do that when cooking – not such a great idea as it often spoils my meal. I find though more often than not that when I’m hungry, I cannot wait to eat! I don’t run or do any exercise of note, other than leisurely activities such as walking my dog, lifting small weights for toning “granny arms” and running on the spot when I have the energy and have been sitting for too long. I refrained from getting a maid and do my own housework. I have a gardener for my huge, beautiful tropical garden though – that would be impossible. I have managed to cut down on grazing substantially since incorporating IFing from time to time; not that grazing is bad if your body can deal with it. I also have my carbs in the range you mention and sometimes eat even more. I eat bananas, a small amount of rice mixed with tons of veggies and other fruit so that’s where they come from mostly. I don’t bake a huge amount anymore, but usually something once a week or so. I have a cheat day a week when I go to the city, but typically it is nothing too terrible. I can be lazy about cooking and baking.
I love being a grazer…right now, it works for me. And if I had your lush tropical garden, I would get a gardener too! I do have house cleaners, though, and thank goodness, because keeping up in this large house with three kids…impossible!
what dishes do you use…i love your little white bowl!!
i am looking to invest in some white dishes and i love the square and rectangle designs.
thank you!!
Oh dear, I wish I could tell you. Problem is that those ramekins came in a set from my father-in-law long ago and I have no idea where they are from!
Thanks for giving us some insight into your eating routine Carolyn! Congrats on the 14 mile run too. I miss cream of wheat – we used to eat it all the time for breakfast when I was a kid and now that the weather is cooling down I’m missing a comforting bowl of hot cereal! I’m going to try this soon though I may replace the flax with hemp seeds and see if that works!
I haven’t tried hemp seeds yet…where do you get them? Do they taste good?
I love the flavor of hemp seeds – kind of walnut meets pine nut flavor and they are loaded with Omega 3’s and magnesium so super healthy for you. I get mine at our local Costco but you can order them online from places like nuts.com or any other natural foods site for a good price as well. Try them out, you’ll love them!
the hemp seeds are really great! I put them in my salads and on top of cakes. Really yummy! I, too, get mine at costco…