Healthy Oatmeal Two Ways

If you do a quick Google search for "healing cavities naturally," you will surprisingly discover dozens of health and wellness blogs boasting about the exact same study and doctor. And while the doctor in question (from a very long time ago) had some brilliant nutrition studies, these bloggers are clearly being paid by somebody to promote the Paleo diet and natural healing. 

And while I am a proponent of healing everything naturally, and in fact have healed a cavity without dental intervention, I am calling bullshit on these bloggers. How is it that all of these folks stumbled upon the same treatment, which promotes cod liver oil and butter oil supplements along with fat soluble vitamins, and a diet that very much looks like the Paleo diet to heal their teeth?

Bullshit. 

And more bullshit surfaces when not a single one of these folks have photographic evidence of said miracles. Even the blogger who states that the photos prove that the cavity disappeared is clearly not showing healing.

And oftentimes, along with this miracle treatment, the writer talk about a study (which I couldn't find) in the British Medical Journal about kids who ate oatmeal and kids who didn't. Supposedly, kids who ate oatmeal increased the amount of cavities they ate even when following a very healthy "Paleoesque" lifestyle. 

Oatmeal? Seriously? I'm here to set some things straight. It isn't good ole fashioned oatmeal giving people cavities; I've been eating oatmeal for years and I don't have a mouthful of cavities. And so has my child. No fucking cavities. But do you know what we don't eat? Processed sugary oatmeal. I'll bet money that oatmeal is getting a bed reputation here because most Americans aren't eating oatmeal cooked in a pot.

They are eating oatmeal from a teeny tiny package loaded with sugar. Did you know that a small package of instant oatmeal (Strawberries and Cream, or whatever) has roughly 10 grams of sugar! What the fuck. Who the fuck wants to eat that much sugar for breakfast? Oh yeah, that's right, kids. Because kids love sugar.

But regardless, I'd still argue that even that isn't causing cavities. Most likely it is all of the other stuff that comprises Americans' diets.

Okay, I should get back on track. I wanted to save oatmeal from catastrophe by giving you my two favorite ways to make oatmeal, all of which use good old fashioned oats that must be cooked on the stove. 

If you are worried about phytates or other mineral-binding chemicals in this relatively innocent grain, I suggest soaking them overnight in water and a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

Banana Flax Protein Oatmeal

• 1 cup old fashioned or steel cut oatmeal
• 1 banana
• 1 tablespoon flaxseeds
• 1 tablespoon vanilla protein powder OR 2 tablespoons hempseeds
• 2 cups water
• a dash of cinnamon
• a pinch of salt

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Directions

1. Combine the oatmeal, flaxseed, water, and protein powder/hempseeds in a pot over medium heat. Allow everything to heat up.
2. As the water eats up and the oatmeal begins to cook, cut in the banana, smashing it against the side of the pot. Stir in the cinnamon and salt. 
3. Continue to cook until everything is cooked to desired consistency. Serve hot.
4. Sometimes a dash of soy milk or other liquid can break it up if it gets goopy.

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Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal

• 1 large very ripe banana, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 tsp cocoa nibs
• 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp chia seed 
• 1 cup almond milk or soy milk
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8-1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• pinch of salt

Directions:
1. In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, cook the banana for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Stir in peanut butter, and add the oats, chia, milk, spices, and a pinch of salt. Whisk well until combined.
3. Bring to a low boil and then reduce heat to a simmer, stirring often for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
4. Scoop into a bowl and top with cocoa nibs.

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