PARENT POWER BREAKFAST
This recipe is dedicated to all the parents out there giving everything they’ve got to help their child with autism or any special needs, achieve their full potential. You are truly my heroes. This easy-to-make breakfast/snack is loaded with goodness and is not only portable but also versatile and will keep you strong and well-nourished for hours. It takes a matter of minutes to assemble and you can take it pretty much anywhere!
I have used blueberry jam but you can use whatever you have. You can also just use fresh fruit of course – you may want to add a tsp of honey or maple syrup to sweeten things up. I have used the sprouted oats from Rude Health which I find particularly easy to digest and my own homemade almond milk. Please see my guide for using plant-based milk. I topped the blueberries with the Paleo Granola from Planet Organic but use a plain mixture of nuts and seeds instead if you prefer. The jar I have used is a 490ml screw top Balls mason jar which you can find from the likes of Amazon or Lakeland.
A special message to all the parents with a child with autism or any special needs: “We love and acknowledge your awesomeness!!”
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cups almond milk or any plant-based milk
- 2 tbsp blueberry compote or jam
- 1 tbsp mixed nuts and seeds
Instructions
- Place the oats, chia seeds, and cinnamon (if using) in a mason jar and pour the milk over it and give it a very good stir
- screw the lid on and place in the fridge overnight. In the morning take it out of the fridge and give it a good stir and top up with the blueberry compote or jam and the nuts and seeds. Screw the lid back on and enjoy at any time.
THE SCIENCE BIT
OATS are a wonder food especially when they have been sprouted to make them super easy to digest. OATS are packed with fibre and contain a particular type of soluble fibre called beta-glucan, which has been shown to support heart health and protect against insulin resistance. About 20% of the total energy (kilojoules) from OATS comes from fat. But this is almost entirely healthy, unsaturated fat. The fat found in OATS carries the fat-soluble vitamin E, which is a key player in the team of disease-fighting anti-oxidants. OATS have a low to moderate GI, depending on their form, so they will fill you up and keep your glucose levels stable, avoiding too many highs and lows. About 12% of the energy from OATS is protein, making OATS a truly valuable grain for vegetarians. OATS provide a host of micronutrients such as potassium, calcium, manganese, phosphorus, vitamin B1 and zinc. CHIA seeds are a member of the Salvia Hispanica Family and were a prized food to the ancient Aztecs and Mayans. CHIA is the ancient Mayan word for strength. CHIA seeds are packed with omega 3 fatty acids, known for anti-inflammatory and liver protective properties. They are loaded with calcium, magnesium, and manganese as well as protein and fibre and a host of antioxidants including; quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin. They are similar to flaxseeds with the added advantage of being far less prone to rancidity. A true Food Superhero. BLUEBERRIES are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and are a wonderful source of soluble fibre – they also have a low glycaemic load which means that they won’t cause big spikes in blood sugar levels. A study by the Department of Behavioural Neuroscience at the Oregon Health Sciences University has found that BLUEBERRIES that have been heated have significantly more antioxidant content than fresh blueberries.
