How many of us are on the constant go? Always rushing, whether it’s getting to work via the expressway, trying to make a flight, or meeting that deadline. We are constantly bogged down with work and other obligations, not to mention priorties. This eventually takes a toll on our nervous system causing us stress and in severe cases, insomnia. It’s amazing the countless number of people who have to skimp on eating healthy or eating at all due to a stressful work/personal life. There are foods that can ease our nervous systems, not only for 30 mins but throughout the entire day. One of these tranquil foods is; believe it or not: OATMEAL!! In order to get the most out of this relaxing food it’s important to buy the real stuff. Too many companies use the milling process (a process where the oat is grinded down to a thin flake where most of the nutrition value is taken out) so something great to buy is STEAL CUT IRISH OATS. You can find this at any supermarket. It takes about 20-30 mins to cook, but is definately well worth the wait. Plus you can cook the oatmeal in bulk and put aside the rest for the remainder of the week. Oatmeal is an excellent source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals that causes premature aging, cardiovascular disease and possibly, some forms of cancer. Other foods that contain vitamin E are: peanut butter, hazelnut butter, almonds, broccoli, spinach, and mangoes.
Not only is oatmeal packed with vitamin E, but it has been shown to have a remarkable balance of proteins and carbs. If you get bored just eating it plain try some of these combinations. A tablespoon of fage yogurt (white greek strained yogurt) with honey or fresh cut fruit like strawberries, blueberries or why not pineapple? 100% maple syrup, raisens, and fresh ground cinnamon. Oatmeal with freshly made jams (no preservatives: available at health food stores or make your own). My favorite: bananas, a scoop of fage yogurt and agave or 100% all natural honey. Experiment to find what you like best, but remember that it’s important to take care of yourself and your health. Try to get the most out of natural foods and herbs before turning to a “quick fix”. As always, if there is anything you need answered or want to know more about just let me know. Enjoy the rest of your week and incorparate some oatmeal into it.
Hi Lex: Thanks for the oatmeal tip – I try to eat oatmeal for breakfast as much as I can – I add fruit to it so I can make it a little sweeter. It is good to know that it also helps with stress – - maybe I will start eating it for lunch and dinner too! lol – I read your article about “belly fat” last week – it is good to know that there is hope for the “spare tire” around my waistline!
Eve
Oatmeal is my favorite breakfast!I Oats considered to be one of the richest silicon foods helping to renew the bones and connective tissues. It contains phosphorus required for brain and nerve formation in children.
Oat water acts as an antiseptic if you drink it regularly. It stengthens immunity and protects from contagious influences.
To prepare oat water:
Simmer 2 tbsp oat groats in 1 qt water for 30 minutes – 2 hours. Strain it and drink it.
Thanks again for another great article. In the age of no to low carbs it must be hard to not lose your public after you say oatmeal….it is a carb, which is not a four letter word. Maybe you can write an article about good carbs and bad carbs and the affect each has on your health.