Vegan Oatmeal Breakfast

Vegan Oatmeal Breakfast

Well, it had to happen sooner or later.  Ice-cream, pie, doughnuts, brownies, cake, tons of jaggery here and there.  Did I mention all the cream I consumed over the summer?  Yes, it’s diet time. 

Looking at my friend Jenny, who’s gone mostly vegan, I easily see that it’s time to learn a few lessons from her.  She went vegan a few months ago, and the improvements in her health and energy are remarkable!  She bounces along with a huge smile on her face, and is bursting with energy.  She was healthy before, but now she positively glows.

As all my own energy was dissipating, and I was succumbing to aches and pains at the mere blink of an eye, I too have leapt onto the vegan boat.  (Maybe not as fastidiously as Jenny… I am me, after all.)  But, I have noticed a reduction in the aches and pains, am feeling lighter, and have more energy.  I asked Jenny what she’s been eating for breakfast, so I took her idea and modified it a little.

All amounts are per person.  If you are feeding yourself, use these amounts, double, triple or quadruple depending on how many mouths are open wide, heads tipped back like baby birds.

1/3 cup unrefined oatmeal
1 cup water
1 tablespoon coconut milk powder
1 heaping cup of berries (I use frozen, but Jenny strictly uses fresh)
7 - 12 walnuts

The coconut milk powder makes it look creamy, tasty too.

If you read the directions on old fashioned steel cut oatmeal, you will see they want you to boil the stuff for 30 minutes.  The result is a little gelatinous, if you ask me.  I like my oatmeal barely cooked, as I much prefer the taste and texture.

 On medium heat, I combine the oatmeal, (or in this pic "porridge oats") water and powder, along with my frozen berries, and simmer it about five minutes, stirring often, my goal being to thaw and warm the berries.  If you’re using fresh berries, add them to the simmering oatmeal at the five minute mark.  Top with walnuts.  Voila, you are done!

I find the addition of the walnuts and the coconut milk powder keep me satisfied much longer than without.  Not to mention they taste glorious with the oats.  The seasons are beginning to change around here, so it's time I turned over a new leaf.  Do you have any healthy suggestions?