An Ode to Oats!
For me, there is nothing better than waking up to a warm bowl of oatmeal with fruits, nuts and seeds. Everybody seems to love it, because there are so many oat products and recipes. What’s so special about this grain? And why do I think this grain is the perfect breakfast choice? Let me explain!
A few years ago, when my eating habits were very bad, I had a hard time to choose what to eat for breakfast. Most of the time I didn’t eat breakfast or I ate unhealthy biscuits. I didn’t take the time to make myself a healthy and nutritious breakfast. When I just started my health journey I read the book ‘De Voedselzandloper’ by Kris Verburgh. It really inspired me to start eating a more nutritious breakfast. Ever since I read that book I eat a healthy breakfast that includes oatmeal!
Oats are well known as a highly nutritious grain; it contains a lot of protein, carbohydrates and a high content of soluble dietary fiber. Soluble fiber attracts water and slows down the digestion, which makes you feel full for a longer time. Protein is a important building block in your body and it needs carbohydrates for energy, especially your brain. Glucose from carbohydrates is the fuel your brain uses to produce energy that moves and motivates you. Go healthy carbs!
My ultimate breakfast includes oatmeal with almond milk, a pinch of cinnamon and some nutmeg for an amazing taste. For a good dose of vitamins and minerals I add some fruit and for healthy fats I add nuts. A healthy breakfast like this does not just give you energy to start a new day, it also contributes to a nutritionally complete diet.
My favorite oatmeal breakfast
Ingredients:
- 50 grams oats
- 250 ml almond milk
- 1 grated apple
- 20 grams raisins
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Handful of blueberries, walnuts and some pomegranate seeds
Pour the almond milk in a saucepan and bring to boil. Add the oats, grated apple, raisins, cinnamon and nutmeg and cook over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, stir a few times. Place the mixture in a bowl and add the blueberries, pomegranate seeds and walnuts. Enjoy!
