We have many options to choose from as to what to eat for breakfast each morning — some healthy, some not so healthy — from green smoothies to fruit bowls to cold cereal, doughnuts and pastries, eggs, grits and sausage.

You may even choose to skip your morning meal all together or substitute it for a cup of coffee (not recommended, I’m just saying, it’s a choice).

Breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day, and it’s best not to skip it (there are some exceptions, more on that in another post).

So what should you eat to satisfy yourself until lunch time and get the nourishment you need to thrive in the first half of your day? One of your best choices is good, old-fashioned oatmeal.

While smoothies and fruit bowls are high in nutrients, Ayurveda places great significance of the energetic qualities of food. The time of year and each individual’s unique mind-body type determines which foods are best for you, not nutrients alone.

During the fall and winter, and for individuals experiencing “cold” imbalances such as anxiety, constipation, chronic chill, and irritability —set aside the smoothies in exchange for a warm breakfast porridge, such as oatmeal. 

Oatmeal has many nutrition and energetic benefits. Oatmeal is:

• High in fiber, especially with add-ins such as ground flax, chia seeds and berries
• Can help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
• Energetically warm, grounding and calming — important food qualities for fall and winter
• A demulcent (hydrating) food that supports healthy bowel movements

Try the recipe below to start your day, even if you typically have not been a fan of oatmeal. I used to not touch it until I learned how to make it more interesting with toppings like nuts, seeds, and spices.

I’d love to hear how you make your oatmeal or if you notice a difference in how you feel when you eat it. Leave a comment below.