As readers know, my house is gluten free by choice, not absolute necessity. There are times when an indulgence will happen – as in great crusty restaurant bread … mmm … but that’s a rare happening – especially now when we are, basically, staying home for every meal.
Passing on fluffy, yeasty “air rolls” our kids used to smush into gluten-y nuggets at restaurants is not hard at all. Easy-peasy.
But gluten-free oatmeal? Sounds safe. Maybe.
I was all set to extol the virtues of my new “gruel,” which has done an admirable job of sustaining me throughout the mornings recently, when I noticed – yet again – some unhappy hip and knee joints.
What’s this? No more oatmeal?
The jury is still out. Last time I got on an oatmeal jag, the same thing happened.
Was that a fluke? Is this a fluke?
I don’t know folks. The verdict on this one has not been pronounced for me.
But so many people simply love oatmeal and eat it on a regular basis. A friend of mine adores his bowl of steel cut oats with cinnamon, milk, and a hint of stevia each morning. Satisfying and somehow grounding – a great way to start the day.
So … occasionally, I will concoct my oatmeal potion. Taste buds do cartwheels and energy levels stay steady. Regular readers know I would have to ramp up the nutrition and sugarless flavor components using the usual suspects: hemp seed hearts, collagen, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Let’s whip up a batch of Super-Powered Oatmeal!
Super-Powered Oatmeal
Serves 2-3 (So hearty, you don’t need as much!)
Ingredients
½ cup gluten-free oatmeal
½ cup gluten-free steel cut oats
¼ cup hemp seed hearts
3 Tbs collagen hydrolysate
Pinch of salt
Cinnamon
Vanilla
1 ½ – 2 cups almond milk
Method
Throw it all in a small pan; cook on medium until bubbly; reduce heat and continue to cook, stirring occasionally. Purists may want to add the vanilla at the end.
Variations on milk depend upon how creamy you want your cereal and on how much steel cut oats you use.
Geez, who really measures this stuff? I usually put all the oats into a one cup measure and eyeball equality. This is in the morning while sipping my first cup of coffee, after all.
If you have not whipped that sweet tooth into shape, a modicum of sugar may be added to the pot – really, with all the vanilla and cinnamon – maybe a teaspoon could be used – that’s it.
Find a cute small bowl to add to the experience. You just don’t need a huge serving. Why?
Okay, kids. Back to home school. Quiz time.
What’s in hemp seeds?
Right! Omega 3 fatty acids! Quoting from pages 74-75 in my first book, Toolkit for Wellness:
Number two on everyone’s list is Omega 3 – the long chain fatty acid of EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, which are found in wild fish and grass-fed meat.
A summary of its benefits include:
- Decreasing cancer rates
- Decreasing auto-immune responses
- Increasing insulin sensitivity
- Decreasing insulin resistance
- Decreasing nerve degeneration processes
- Promotes healing of the gut
Hemp hearts also have a whopping 10 grams of protein to every 3 tablespoons.
Next question: Why collagen?
Three tablespoons of unflavored collagen hydrolysate have over 16 grams of protein and all the essential fatty acids – remember science class: building blocks of protein – that you need to power up your body. That’s why Ms. Deidre adds collagen to so many things to ramp up the nutritional profile.
Well, Ms. Deidre, why are you always using cinnamon?
Good question! Don’t you remember on page 161 of your Toolkit for Wellness textbook, cinnamon not only helps mimic sweetness, but it also is loaded with antioxidants, calms inflammation, helps reduce insulin resistance, and helps with blood sugar levels?
When combined with vanilla extract, a non-sugary sweet factor can be achieved that will not scramble blood sugar levels or brains.
That’s a win-win for all home-schooling families. No squirrely kids! Yay!
In health-
Deidre
We welcome all new subscribers and hope that you are enjoying your new subscriber gift, “25 Easy Tweaks for Better Health.”
Claim your new subscriber gift by scrolling to the bottom of your phone screen and clicking on the SUBSCRIBE button. If you are using a computer, the SUBSCRIBE button is on the left side near the top of the screen.
those muscles and joints feeling? Headaches again? Unhappy belly? More bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea?
g that is going to cause a bad reaction.
how I had ramped up oatmeal’s “goodness” factor by adding chia seeds and coconut oil. I created another oatmeal recipe by adding collagen hydrolysate and coconut oil. Ramped-up protein and brain healthy fat! What could be better?
husband’s room (he is confined to a hospital bed at home). On top of that, I am currently writing another book, “Caregiver’s Handbook for Caring for the Bedridden,” which requires more sitting at the computer. Efforts to go to the gym once or twice a week are being met, along with home stretches to break up sitting sessions, and almost daily planks.
Everything from my waist down hurt. Heels first. Then hips. Then legs. Is it possible to get that old so fast? Is this my life forever?
l.