I can’t help but chuckle at writing this post about my favorite go-to breakfast of the moment: Blueberry Oatmeal. Way back when I first started this blog, one of my very first posts was about how much I hated oatmeal, and how miserable I was at being condemned — my thought process at the time — to suffering through boring and flavorless breakfasts for the rest of all eternity. Instead of “Eat Fresh, Mama!,” originally I was actually going to name this blog “Oatmeal or Death.” Because that was the kind of black and white thinking I was stuck in at the time. Eat perfectly or die.
It’s not about perfection
I promise you, you do not have to be stuck in this kind of all or nothing mindset. It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about meeting yourself where you are on this journey today. About building momentum. Taking that next right step. You don’t have to have it all figured out right at the starting block. And if oatmeal makes you gag (today), for goodness sake, pick something else for breakfast! And then leave room for the possibility that one day down the road, oatmeal for breakfast — or whatever healthier choice you’re struggling with — may on its own become more appealing to you. Be open to the possibility of change within yourself.
Ok, sermon over. Now to the recipe!
But this oatmeal might be the best thing ever
This recipe builds off the Blueberry Oatmeal recipe given in Un-Do It!, the 2019 Dean and Anne Ornish book on reversing chronic disease. I left out the salt, swapped stevia for coconut sugar, and added chia seed for additional fiber. Dean Ornish is, of course, the long-time preeminent American medical expert on heart health. This book has been a real inspiration for me here lately. I’ve been experiencing some big upward swings in my blood pressure again. It can be frustrating to feel like you’re back to where you were years ago. But instead of feeling powerless or combative towards my body, I’m looking at those numbers as just pieces of information. They are alerting me that something is out of balance. With the help of my doctor (who is actually a functional Nurse Practitioner), I can make some tweaks to get myself back on course.
This is a plant-based breakfast that will leave you feeling full and satisfied for longer than you expect. It’s low glycemic and packed with antioxidents from the blueberries. As well as flax and chia, which are not only full of fiber, but great for cardiovascular health as well. I’ve written it up here for 2 people, but you can easily double it for a family.
I hope you enjoy this Blueberry Oatmeal as much as I do! And if oatmeal isn’t your thing, don’t worry! I got you! You could get your blueberries in muffin form, or try Spicy Avocado Toast instead.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond or other plant milk
- 1/2 cup filtered water
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup organic rolled oats
- 1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
- 2 tsp ground flaxseed
Instructions
- In a small pot, add the almond milk, water, chia seed, cinnamon, coconut sugar and oats. Cover and bring to a low boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
- Mix in the blueberries. Cook on low, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries are warmed through.
- Turn off the heat and add the flaxseed. Stir thoroughly to combine. Garnish with cinnamon. And if you need to, add a little maple syrup to taste.