Power-Packed Breakfast!
Jan 10, 2023Need a great way to start your day!
Your body functions best with natural sources of nutrition, nutrients the body recognizes and can utilize is vital to functioning well and feeling well.
Oats are a good source of protein and contain loads of fiber which is great for digestion and keeping the gut flora in the bowls fed and happy.
Add-Ins
Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants and contains antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Nutmeg is another herb high in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Adding some fruit to your oatmeal really dresses it up and adds another texture. Apples are super nutritious! There just may be some truth to that old adage, ”an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples contain protein, calcium, iron, and trace minerals including Zinc. Many of the B vitamins including B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9.
Leaving the skin on will ensure you get the full gamete of nutrition apples offer. They are added to the pot of oatmeal just long enough to soften up a bit, but not long enough to really cook.
Growing up I was always put off by the baby-food-type texture of oatmeal. Incorporating different textures and flavors adds a little spice to this classic dish.
Looking for protein? Raw nuts are loaded with protein. Almonds have a mild flavor and add a nice crunch to the oatmeal. Nuts add a fantastic contrast in texture, not to mention loads of nutrition.
I always add fruit to my oatmeal. It depends on the season. Sometimes its blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries. Today, it’s raspberries. I sprinkle a little Xylitol on for a bit of sweetness as well as tooth health. Raspberries contain a lot of vitamin C, manganese, and fiber, to name a few of their benefits.
You could also add almond milk if you enjoy that texture in your oatmeal. If I need more sweetener to offset tarte berries I’ll add a hint of real maple syrup.
There are so many ways you could dress this dish. I have tried a variety of nuts, cacao for a chocolate flavor, and other fruits. If you like something chewier you could toss in dried fruit.
Kicking It Up A Notch
I always take my vitamins and minerals in the form of powdered herbs. There are so many great nutritional herbs but alfalfa and barley are nice to begin with.
If drinking powdered herbs in a glass of water is off-putting, you could try mixing them in a smoothy, or right in with your oatmeal. Start small and work your way up. Mixing them in a glass of water never appealed to me but I started out small and worked my way up.
There are so many things you can add to bump up the nutritional content of your breakfast. Ground flax seeds are another power-packed food especially known for their high content of Omega 3’s. Flax is also high in carbohydrates – but the good kind! These carbs are 95% fiber which is fantastic for gut health!
And just like that, you’re off to a great start to the day!
Oatmeal
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil
- Add 1 cup of whole oats, then reduce heat to low
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cacao, or other spices and flavorings to taste
- Chop and add a whole apple (skin on)
- Dice 12-15 almonds or other raw nut
- Add any berries or other fresh, frozen, or dried fruit
- Sprinkle a half teaspoon of Xylitol to sweeten tart fruit and for teeth health
- If it still needs sweetener add a tablespoon of real maple syrup
Additional add-ins:
- Almond milk
- Ground flax seed
- Any seeds!
Kristi Taylor is a Master Herbalist, Clinical Herbalist and Natural healing Guide®. She endeavors to share her knowledge and passion of natural healing with whomever will listen – because nature’s wisdom never ceases to delight and amaze!
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits (Web view)
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nutmeg-benefits#TOC (Web view)
