If you grew up eating Cream of Wheat (and liked it, like I did!), but don’t do gluten anymore you’re going to love oat bran! It totally reminds me of Cream of Wheat, in both texture and taste and this is my go-to when I want a warm breakfast bowl to nourish my body and kick off my day.
Unlike most grain-based breakfasts which can contribute to inflammation and spike blood sugar, oat bran has a blood sugar stabilizing effect to keep you off the blood sugar roller-coaster ride that can wreak havoc with your energy, moods, hormones and just about everything else.
It’s full of soluble fiber (about 50% more fiber than oatmeal) and swells in the digestive track, so you feel full and satisfied. This includes a special kind of soluble fiber called beta glucan, which improves immune system function. So it’s got gut loving benefits as well! It’s also a “prebiotic” food, meaning it’s food for your gut’s good bacteria, the ones we want to feed.
Because of oat bran’s ability to digest slowly, your body is better able to break it down, promoting nutrient absorption in the body.
Ready to try this gut loving, immune boosting breakfast bowl? This is just one of the ways I like to prepare my oat bran. Check out my Instagram for other variations!
Vanilla-Maple Oat Bran with Almonds & Dates
Serves 1
Ingredients
1/3 cup gluten-free oat bran* (such as Bob’s Red Mill)
1 cup water
1 scoop collagen peptides (optional, but recommended for protein)
1 tablespoon ground flax
maple syrup to taste (or use stevia, if avoiding sugar)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 dates, chopped (optional topping- skip these if you have blood sugar issues)
¼ cup almonds, chopped
almond milk (optional)
Instructions
Add oat bran and water to a small pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and add collagen peptides (if using), ground flax, maple syrup and vanilla. Mix well, until the collagen has dissolved and everything is combined. Serve in a bowl, and top with chopped almonds, dates and a splash of almond milk, if desired.
*When buying oat bran, be sure it’s certified gluten-free. While oats are inherently gluten-free, they often get cross contaminated in the field and/or processing plant. Most store bought brands are NOT gluten free. Bob’s Red Mill is a good brand to look for, which most stores carry.
