warming rhubarb and ginger oatmeal

Packed with protein, healthy fats, only natural sweeteners and healing spices. 

This was one of those lunches that came about due to a few reasons. It was extremely cold in NYC and I had no desire to go outside, and, I was in the mood for something filling and a little sweet.   I've had this big jar of fresh rhubarb and strawberry "pie filling" from the Cornell Orchards for a little while and figured they would add the perfect amount of sweetness to this hearty meal.  Recipe below. 

Ingredients: 

• 1/4 cup Steel Cut Oats
• 1 serving PB2 Peanut Butter Powder 
• Handful of mixed unsalted nuts (I added walnuts, cashews and almonds)
• 1 tbsp dried cranberries
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• 1 tsp cardamom 
• 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tbsp Rhubarb and Strawberry pie filling, or any jam (low sugar) that you like 
• A few shavings of fresh ginger 

Directions: 
In a bowl add oats, PB2, mixed nuts, cranberries, cinnamon and cardamom and heat as indicated on package (I used the microwave).   After oats are cooked, add almond milk, pie filling and shave a few grates of fresh ginger on top.  Enjoy! 

Benefits: 
Steel cut oats are a whole grain packed with a high vegetarian source of iron (1.8mg), important minerals, fiber (5 grams of dietary fiber, or 20% of your recommended dietary allowance) and antioxidants, with health benefits ranging from weight loss, reduced risk of heart disease and lower blood sugar levels.  Eating steel cut oats provides a healthy serving of complex carbohydrates, which take your body longer to break down, leading to sustained energy throughout the day.  Adding protein rich peanut butter and nuts adds further satiety to the meal.   Low glycemic steel cut oats also help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels, which is important for those watching their blood glucose levels. 

Spices such as cinnamon and cardamom have an immense level of health benefits as well. 

Cinnamon is referred to as the World #1 Spice... and for good reason.  This spice is high in antioxidants, surprisingly high in fiber (4.1 grams in one tablespoon!), helps relieve inflammation and muscle soreness,  stabilizes blood sugar levels, preserves brain function, can be beneficial for acne, rosacea and skin allergies, and our favorite, it adds flavor and sweetness to recipes without added sugar.
 
Known as the Queen of Spices, cardamom helps reduce chronic inflammation, helps with anxiety, can reduce gut distress, asthma symptoms, cholesterol  and high blood pressure.  It is also an antibacterial spice,  helping slow the growth of bacteria.  It can also help with your libido! See below: 
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Cardamom has a citrusy, minty, spicy, and herbal flavor. It has a significant effect on increasing energy levels which is half the story when increasing libido in both men and women. It is increasing the blood flow to both male and female erogenous zones, making you energized while increasing sensitivity and pleasure. It is often added to tea blends to be consumed after a meal and reinvigorates your body after a heavy meal.