Snowtmeal ! A healthier comfort food fix for wintertime

Winter has become synonymous with comfort food. ‘Tis the season for cozying up with rich, filling, warming meals and drinks that cheer up both body and mind, both of which are often in a funk as the temperatures outside drop and sunlight is elusive.
However, while these “comfort foods” may provide a quick fix, there is nothing “comforting” to the body in the long run about thick cream sauces, cheese or gooey, sugary pastry.
When the weather outside is frightful (to be sung with a smile, of course), try this snowtmeal. It will actually comfort your insides and bring a smile to your face thanks to mood-boosting omega-3-filled chia seeds and blood sugar-regulating, soluble fiber-packed oats.

Add walnuts for some extra happiness in the form of alpha-linolenic acid and cacao for its mood-boosting

Oats are also rich in tryptophan that boosts levels of the feel-good chemical serotonin.
Add walnuts for some extra happiness in the form of alpha-linolenic acid and cacao for its mood-boosting compounds theobromine and phenylethyamine, not to mention its magic ability to reduce cortisol levels and alleviate anxiety.
Coconut’s MCT fats boost serotonin and increase energy (plus, add coconut butter or oil to your skin for a healthy glow – it will put both you and everyone looking at your beautiful self in an excellent mood guaranteed!)
This is also a delicious dessert and a great make-ahead snack on the go.

Ingredients
(serves 1 as a full meal or 2-3 as a dessert or snack)

1 Medjool date
1 tablespoon of Almond butter
1 cup of coconut water
¼ tsp of vanilla powder
1/3 cup of (gluten-free) oats
¼ tsp of cinnamon
¼ tsp of ginger
½ tablespoon of Coconut butter (or coconut oil works too, but coconut butter is especially creamy and delicious if you can get your hands on some)
1 tablespoon of dried mulberries (or dried figs or raisins)

Toppings

1 banana, sliced
1 tablespoon of raw, shredded coconut
1 tablespoon of almond butter (optional)

Soak the date in hot water until soft, then pit and remove the skin.
Add to a blender (preferably a Vitamix!) with the coconut water, the almond butter and the vanilla powder and blend until smooth.
Voilà, a quick almond milk! Add to a small pot over the stove with the oats, cinnamon and ginger. Simmer, covered, over low heat for around 10 minutes or until the oats have absorbed the liquid, stirring occasionally. Add mulberries (or figs or raisins), coconut butter ‘or oil) and stir to combine, then cover and let simmer for another minute or two. Remove from heat and add to a bowl. Top with banana slices, shredded coconut and another spoonful of almond butter.

**Snowtmeal to-go!

For an easy, pre-made breakfast, simply make the almond milk as directed, then add to a glass container with the oats, cinnamon, ginger, shredded coconut and mulberries (or figs or raisins).
Cover and stir together, then leave in the refrigerator overnight.
In the morning, top with banana slices, coconut butter and more almond butter and enjoy or keep in the container and bring to the office or eat on the go wherever you are.
This is a great energizing meal to prepare ahead and eat as a healthy breakfast or snack when you take a break from skiing.