We are about to enter the last 18 days of the season, which is considered the transitional season of late-summer. This transitional season is the time of the stomach and spleen/pancreas and is the best time of the year to reboot your digestive system. This spiced oatmeal uses gently warming spices to support your digestive system, while packing a bunch of plant based omega 3 fatty acids, and fiber.  It will make a hearty breakfast that will tide you over through the morning.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups water
• 1 T chia seeds
• ½ inch of fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 1/8 tsp cardamom
• ½ apple, peach, or 1/4 cup frozen raspberries
• 1/2 tsp drizzle of maple syrup
• 1 T almond butter
• 1 T ground golden flaxseeds

Bring two cups of water to boil in a medium saucepan. Add the oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and cardamom, stir, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. If using an apple or a peach, chop into bite sized bits and add to the cooking oatmeal halfway through. If using frozen berries, defrost on the stove or in a microwave while the oats cook.  When ten minutes are up, remove the oats from heat and allow to sit for 2 more minutes.

Garnish with maple syrup, ground flaxseed, almond butter and fruit.

Lindsey Thompson is an East Asian Medicine Practitioner at the Thompson Family Acupuncture Clinic in Walla Walla, WA. She loves Chinese medical nutrition, growing vegetables, raising chickens, and striving to get the most out of life. Practicing medicine and help people find ways to improve their health at home is one of the most fulfilling aspects of her career. Her nutrition and lifestyle video series can be found at https://www.ancientrootsnutrition.com