Celebration Oatmeal

When it comes to oatmeal, I don’t believe there are a lot of fence-sitters: folks seem to either like it a lot or not at all. I was never a fan, but decided I should find a way to enjoy it after reading Brain Food: The Surprising Science of Eating for Cognitive Power, by Lisa Mosconi, PhD. (https://www.lisamosconi.com/brainfood) Dr. Mosconi is an expert in neuroscience and nutrition, and her book is most insightful. Oats, she writes, are high in phenylalanine, an amino acid that is crucial for dopamine production, among other healthy brain needs.

This dish, with its beautiful, celebratory presentation, combines brain-healthy oats with lots of other nutrient-dense foods to benefit not only the gray matter, but the whole body. It’s chock full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and essential fatty acids. And it’s really tasty!

Within 15 minutes, you’ll go from measuring out the oats to sitting down to eat, or scooping it into a container before rushing out the door. It’s a quick, healthy, and delicious way to show gratitude to your body, mind, and spirit for all you’ve endured this year!

Thank you, Jeanine Donofrio, of LoveandLemons.com, for inspiring me to be bold with my choice of toppings.

Please leave me a comment if you give this a try!

Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients (use organic and/or non-GMO ingredients if possible)
1 cup water
big pinch of salt
1/2 cup regular or thick-cut whole grain rolled oats (I use gluten-free)
1 small or medium Fuji or Pink Lady apple (or any variety of ripe pear)
2-3 whole dates, pitted
1/4 cup fresh blueberries
1-2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes
1 tablespoon cacao nibs
1 tablespoon hemp or chia seeds
1 tablespoon raw, shelled sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons walnut pieces
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional, but oh, so good!)
1-2 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions
Bring water and salt to a boil. Add oats, return to a boil, and reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes, or until most of the water is absorbed.

While the oats are cooking, prepare the celebration topping. Chop the apple & dates, and place in a bowl with all other ingredients. Stir until combined.

Allow oats to sit for 2 minutes after cooking. Scoop into bowls and add a big mound of toppings. Enjoy your hearty, celebratory breakfast (or brunch or lunch)!

*Note – Feel free to skip an ingredient or two if you don’t have them or want smaller servings!

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.