This nourishing, comforting dish supports digestive health, balances energy, and promotes overall well-being, in line with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles. Steel-cut oats are considered a neutral food in TCM, gently tonifying the spleen and stomach, promoting digestion, and providing stable energy. The sweet, warming properties of cinnamon enhance circulation, promote the flow of qi, and help to dispel cold, making this dish particularly beneficial during colder months. Apples, with their mildly cooling nature, nourish the lungs and help to clear heat while providing moisture to the body, particularly helpful for balancing dryness. Walnuts offer healthy fats that nourish the kidneys, tonify yang, and support brain health, while their slightly warming properties help to strengthen the body’s yang energy.
Nutritionally, this oatmeal provides a good balance of complex carbohydrates from oats, healthy fats from walnuts, and fiber from both oats and apples, which supports digestive health, blood sugar regulation, and bowel regularity. The addition of maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and helps boost energy in a gentle, balanced way. It is a wholesome breakfast option that supports digestive function, nourishes the body, and provides sustained energy throughout the morning.
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup steel-cut oats
- 1 cup water or unsweetened almond milk
- 1 small apple, diced
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp walnuts, chopped
- 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small pot, bring water or almond milk to a boil.
- Add the oats, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the diced apple and cinnamon. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Top with walnuts and drizzle with maple syrup, if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
