Hemp, Cacao, Goji, and Cashew Oatmeal

I have recently been looking for ways to incorporate more superfoods into my diet, so I decided to add them in with my morning bowl of oatmeal.

To give you a little background on these particular superfoods, cacao contains a naturally rich supply of antioxidants and is an excellent source of dietary fiber.

Hemp seed powder is a protein powder that is a great alternative for those looking for something that is lactose and soy free. It also contains all the essential amino acids making it a complete protein, one of the highest from a plant source.

Goji Berries are a complete protein source as well, containing 18 different amino acids and all 8 essential amino acids (such as isoleucine and tryptophan). They also have up to 21 trace minerals (the superstars being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus) and vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E.

Raw cashews contain potassium, B vitamins, folate, and high levels of oleic acid (omega-9), and help support the health of the skin and protect the heart.

So if this is not a bowl of goodness, I don’t know what is!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (40g) steel cut oats
• 1 cup water
• 2 oz coconut milk
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 medium banana, sliced into thin pieces
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp stevia
• 1 tbsp organic cacoa powder
• 30g hemp protein powder
• 0.2 oz raw organic cashews
• 0.2 oz goji berries

Directions

1. The night before you plan to eat the oatmeal: In a medium size pan, heat the oats, water, and salt over medium-high heat, with a lid on. Once the mixture reaches a boil, turn the burner off.
2. Make sure to keep a close watch, because a boil over can happen very quickly (speaking from experience). You do not want to lose half of your oats all over the stove top.
3. DO NOT REMOVE LID. This is very important. This keeps the moisture inside, which is going to continue to cook the oats. Leave the covered pot on the stovetop overnight. In the morning, add the pinch of salt and coconut milk, stir, and turn the burner on to medium heat.
4. Once the mixture begins to simmer, approximately 5-6 minutes, remove the lid, and stir in the sliced banana. Continue to stir until the banana breaks down and the mixture thickens.
5. Add the vanilla extract, stevia, cacao powder, and hemp protein powder. Pour into a serving bowl and top with the cashews and goji berries.

Enjoy!

Tip: If you want to reduce the calories and/or carbs, you can leave the banana out. I just like the added texture and the volume that it offers.

Nutritional Info

1 servings = per serving

Calories: 397

Fat: 9 g

Carbs: 58 g

Protein: 26 g

For more tasty and healthy oatmeal recipes, be sure to check out the 30 Day Oatmeal Challenge.