Creamy Breakfast Oats - Wellness with Taryn

This is one of my all time favorite recipes, and it’s so easy, and super tasty! Best of all it’s really healthy, boasting a range of nutritional benefits.

When I first stepped onto this path to wellness, my staple breakfast was a bowl of Diabetic Friendly Cereal (I’ll keep the name to myself).

As it states ‘Diabetic Friendly’ on the box, I thought AWESOME! and was sold.

I used to mix raw cacao into my morning bowl, add soy milk and that was that. It tasted really really good, I won’t lie.

I monitored my sugar levels closely and realized that the Diabetic Friendly Cereal was in fact pushing my sugar levels up, and this meant that I was using more insulin with my breakfast. After educating myself a bit more, I came to realize that I was in fact not impressed with the Diabetic Friendly Cereal anymore. It is, firstly highly processed, and *may contain genetically modified ingredients. No no no!!! No more for me, thank you very much.

I changed my views on the product, and haven’t used it since. It is also (which they neglect to tell you) EXTREMELY high in calories, which is not ideal especially if you are monitoring your calorie intake.

So, a couple of years down the line, I created this insanely tasty bowl of deliciousness, and it instantly brought back memories of my morning Diabetic Friendly Cereal bowl. So I can happily say, I created a homemade, healthy version of something (not-so-healthy) I used to really enjoy.

This recipe only has a few ingredients, easy is always good when it comes to preparing food. The porridge can also keep in the fridge for 2-3 days, which is nice as you can make a big batch.

What are the nutritional benefits?

Oats

One of the best ways to start the day is with oats, as they are full of soluble fiber, which is digested slower than any other grains, allowing a slow, gradual and sustained release of energy. This helps to keep sugar levels stable, without any spikes. Oats also improve immune system defenses, and help to lower bad cholesterol. Oats contain manganese, selenium, phosphorus, fiber, magnesium, and zinc.

Medjool Dates

Medjool dates are rich in fiber and are a good source of potassium. Potassium assists in balancing body pH, maintaining inter cellular fluid balance as well as blood sugar regulation. Medjool dates are useful in the body for absorption of iron, formation of collagen, red blood cells formation, healthy nervous system as well as energy generation. They are a energy power house as well as boasting anti-oxidant properties.

Ingredients

1 Cup of Rolled Oats (Soaked and rinsed well)
4-6 Medjool Dates (depending on how sweet you like it)
2 TBS Coconut Cream (Optional – for extra creaminess)
1 Cup Oat Milk (You can find this at Dischem, but can use your own Milk Alternative too)
Himalayan Pink Salt (To taste – 1/4 Tsp)
1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
Couple Drops of Vanilla Extract (or Half a Vanilla Pod – Scraped)
Mixed seeds and a banana for garnishing

Recipe

Firstly you’ll need to soak your oats overnight, in a glass bowl, completely covered in filtered water. Once soaked, rinse thoroughly until all the gooey stickiness is gone and the oats are fairly clean.

Place into your high speed blender. Add the pitted Medjool Dates. These dates really work the best with this recipe. The normal cheaper dates don’t create a nice smooth consistency as they are not as sticky as the Medjool Dates. You can find these at Dischem or fresh at Woolworths.

Then add the coconut cream, salt, cinnamon and vanilla extract. So at this point all ingredients should be in the blender, except the Oat Milk.

Now, slowly add the oat milk as you turn the blender on. The oats can get really sticky, so you need to make sure there is enough liquid in the mixture for it to blend properly. By slowly adding the Oat Milk, you can reach the desired consistency. The consistency your wanting is similar to chocolate pudding, smooth, slightly thick and creamy.

When your happy with the mixture, pour into bowl, and serve with slices of fresh strawberries and banana, and sprinkles of nuts and seeds.