Creamy Almond Milk Oatmeal + Caramelized Banana with pecans
Two weeks ago I started getting up before work at 5am to go for a morning run…I wasn’t sure how long this was going to last because to be honest I have never been a morning exerciser. I have always found my solitude with body movement in the evenings but for the past few months (during and since my cyst burst, story here and here) my movement routine has almost completely disappeared, whether it is morning or evening. It has maybe at best been a little yoga here and there, lots of walks and the odd strength training but nothing consistent or remotely enough for what I like to give my body and what makes her feel the best. Something sprung up inside of me that Friday morning though because when I woke up I felt a huge “get up and move” urgency inside that I needed to start loving my body more. She craved the movement and it was time I finally pushed the lazy resistance inside of me aside and succumb to my body's desire to move again.
When I got home that Friday morning, delightfully sweaty, heart pounding, face glowing, full of euphoric cells bouncing around inside of me as joyful as can be I felt beautiful, I felt in control of my mind, my body was at ease and I knew I had to keep this feeling alive.
I don’t know what it is sometimes that causes this resistance to body movement when every single time I do move my body, whether it be yoga, walking, running, strength training or the like I feel so good afterwards. My body thanks me and what to me feels like gives me the most giant, heartwarming, bear hug that I don’t ever want to be released from.
So this is my declaration to you because sometimes that is the best policy; I believe, declare and it will become a daily practice because I am human and hate to disappoint, I wouldn't want to tell you guys something and then just be sitting on my butt pretending these runs and yoga sessions were happening but really I am just eating my weight in ice cream and cookies…no no my morning runs are going to continue, my evening at home yoga sessions are going to commence and my weekend walks in nature are going to be even more abundant.
Ahhh that feels good, I love declaring things to the universe, she always seems to have your back when you do. Feel free to declare a wish, a want, something you have been resisting and are going to change down below, we can cheer each other on...support is never overrated.
Bananas....caramelized in ooey gooey honey, maple syrup, vanilla and butter I don't think there could be a better possible combination. This was a favourite childhood treat of mine (yes I have been extra nostalgic lately...last week I shared another childhood favourite of mine honey, basil roasted peaches on top of toasted sourdough) my Momma would make and serve on top of vanilla ice cream. It was dreamy...warm meets cold, sweet meets smooth, melt in your mouth seduction.
I can picture her now in the kitchen, peeling the bananas, scooping ice cream into bowls, the smell of honey, cinnamon and butter filling the house...getting all giddy inside at the thought of what was about to hit my taste buds.
Now obviously I couldn't have ice cream for breakfast, that is just wrong and I of course have never ever done that ;)...but I woke up one morning last weekend and had a huge craving for my Momma's bananas and thought ok what could I pair these with that would make them somewhat allowable for breakfast. Oatmeal!
So here you have it....creamy almond milk oatmeal with caramelized bananas and pecans...heaven in a bite...
creamy almond milk oatmeal + caramelized banana with pecans
creamy oatmeal
1 cup of rolled oats
1 cup of almond milk
1 cup of water
2 tbsp natural peanut butter
caramelized bananas
2 bananas
1/4 cup of chopped pecans
1 tbsp of butter
t tbsp of raw honey
1 tbsp of pure maple syrup
1 tsp of vanilla
1/2 tsp of cinnamon
directions
Roughly chop the pecans and set aside.
Peel the bananas and slice length wise, then cut each length into 3 or 4 pieces. In a small pan on medium heat melt the butter, once melted add in the honey, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon. Once it has all melted together and comes to a slight bubble add in the bananas. Stir until they are all coated with the caramel likeness and turn the heat down to low. Stirring occasionally until the bananas are soft and tender. Add in the chopped pecans.
In a small pot on medium heat add the rolled oats, almond milk and water. Bring to a boil and then turn the heat down to a low simmer, stirring continuously until the oatmeal is cooked. Melt in the peanut butter.
To serve place some oatmeal into a bowl, top with some extra almond milk and then the banana and pecan mixture. You can add some extra chopped pecans on top.