When the alarm rings, my natural instincts is just to stay warm and cosy under my soft duvet. My mornings usually include rolling around in bed for 10 minutes before I actually start think about getting ready. I absolutely am not a morning person.

Recently I decided I wanted to see if establishing a healthy morning routine would help with my mood and my energy levels. I know it sounds silly, but I had been so frustrated with the fact that I would fall asleep in class all the time; never feeling like my best and always having constant craving for sweets.

So last week I did it. I woke up 1 hour earlier. In the quiet hours of the day, I got myself out of bed and drank a glass of lemon and apple cider vinegar water for detox (and skin). I pulled out my yoga mat and did a quick pilates workout before sitting down to read my scriptures with my sister. Everything was slow, relaxing and calm. Nothing was rushed. It was amazing that my usual morning stress of getting dressed and running to class had vanished. We then spent the next 5-10 minutes chatting and laughing in the kitchen as we made ourselves a quick breakfast – apple cinnamon protein oatmeal. We added oats, flax, chia, cinnamon and a CHEAT PROTEIN SOURCE (scroll down to read), stirring /cooking/chopping whilst planning out the rest of our day (basically just talking about when we are going to have our next meal). Honestly it felt incredible -The quiet morning, the quick exercise, clearing my stomach at least 30 minutes before I ate but most of all THAT delicious BREAKFAST! The creaminess of the softened oats with the flax and chia and the cinnamony-sweetness from the soft apples was just exactly what my stomach and my brain needed.
We loved it so much that I have been eating this straight for 2 weeks in a row. Thats how good it is!

With the temperature dropping like crazy, I realized that my body can’t seem to take any cold foods anymore.  I’ve tried a variety of breakfasts including green smoothies, boiled eggs, fruit, sweet potato, tuna salad sandwiches. They were all delicious but this simple bowl of oatmeal seriously made me feel SO GOOD. I struggle with a lot of digestive problems, inflammation and bloating and this creamy oatmeal was just healing magic. My stomach has never felt flatter, my bowel movements are more regular and my cravings have diminished.

So why is it so good for your gut?

Chia seed and flax meal are some of the best sources of plant based protein (14%!!!)  and have lots of antioxidants. It is high in fibre help to curb cravings and aids in weight loss.  It is also high in omega 3 which is found in salmon or fish oils. Chia seeds and flax meals make a great substitute when you don’t have seafood on hand. Omega 3 fats is essential for skin because it helps smooth out wrinkles , moisturizes your skin and reduces blemishes. In addition they provide amazing benefits like iron, folate, potassium and magnesium and many other essential micronutrients.

Oats are also amazing for helping you feel satiated and provide dietary fibre to help with your bowel movements. Not going to lie, it has helped control my cravings so much more and even going to the bathroom.

Cinnamon is an incredible medicinal spice that is perfect in lowering blood sugar levels, but also improving your sensitivity to insulin. You always hear about “sugar spikes” in the health world – it is honestly such an important concept to grasp because it corresponds to cravings and energy levels. We are currently obsessed with “Roasted” Cinnamon which we found in the local stores, but any cinnamon will do!

The best part is that this meal isn’t just packed full of carbs, but also protein! (especially for those of fitness people!)

SO WHATS our secret protein source? EGG WHITES! 

Compared to protein powder, egg whites are great as a cheap source of added protein. Stir it in and you can barely taste it, in fact it adds an added texture to it too. We love it and it really does amp up the nutritional value of this breakfast.

But wait theres more…we have another option that adds protein but also is great for skincare: Collagen Peptides.

I recently discovered Vital Protein’s collagen peptide. They provide more protein than eggs but also is excellent for providing all the amino acids you can’t get in your natural diet. Not only that, but it helps with joint and muscle pain (which I have been struggling with) and skincare. seriously this is so good for you girls who want to improve your skin! Collagen is crucial for maintaining youthful skin since the older we get collagen production will go down. It helps skin to become more elastic. So if you can get your hands on collagen peptide it is great substitute for egg whites too!

So this is our current favorite breakfast of all time, let us know what you like!

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

 

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Please Use Gluten Free Certified Oats if you are gluten intolerant

Author: Unconventional Cooks

Serves: 1-2

Ingredients

• ½ cup GF Quick Oats (you can use regular rolled oats, just cook it for longer)
• 1½ - 2 cup water (or milk)
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp flaxmeal
• 2 egg whites (or 1 scoop GF protein powder, we love using 1 scoop of collagen peptide)
• ½ tsp cinnamon + more
• 1 apple (or pear)
• Sweetener (to taste)l

Instructions

1. Place oats, water, cinnamon, chia seeds, flax meal and egg whites (or protein powder) into a saucepan.
2. Over high heat, cook the oatmeal mixture, stir frequently to keep egg whites from scrambling. This should take about 5 minutes. Add more water if the mixture starts to stick or thicken too much.
3. Dice apple in bite size pieces and place in a hot pan. Sprinkle over the cinnamon and add a a few drops of water.
4. Cook apples until they are soft and caramelized (or to desired texture).
5. Serve up the oatmeal with the cooked apples. Add sweetener to taste.
6. Top with your favorite toppings: peanut butter, hemp seeds etc.

3.5.3251

LOVE,

Zoe & Mia