Honey Walnut Breakfast Polenta

Welcome to the blog! 

To begin, if you only know one thing about me, let it be this... I love food! Sound familiar? I usually find I’m not the only one who feels this way. We all have our reasons for loving food and we all utilize it in different ways. The interaction we develop with food, just like any other relationship, can change with our mindset and commitment. Think about it. We eat at least three times a day. That means we must think about and interact with food morning, noon, and night, every day of our entire lives! If that is not considered a relationship, then I don’t know what is.

Not too long ago, I began to realize I had been taking my health and body for granted. Having been very active growing up and living in a family where meals were typically prepared for me, I never gave much thought to the foods I put in my body. I never appreciated how those foods were fueling my life. Having neglected this very important relationship, it started to take its toll, not only on my appearance, but on my overall well being. I noticed a decline in my energy, productivity, and self-esteem. Things I had never run short on in the past. It was during this time that I began re-shaping my mentality on food and discovered my passion for nutrition.

Food became fuel. Therefore, I grew to love it even more, not for its taste or comfort, but out of a deep appreciation for how it allowed me to live. I regained my energy and zest for life through this nutritious approach to living. This led me to find another passion in endurance sports. I began training and racing in triathlons and marathons. I was living in a way I had never done before. I was setting goals and confident I could achieve them because my body and mind were being continuously nourished, allowing me to strive towards my fullest potential. I have now completed a 140.6 mile Ironman triathlon, am starting my career as a registered dietitian, and am living life with intention.

I want to empower and educate people how to treat their bodies with respect and love, so that they may go forward to lead more effective, energetic lives and thrive in their own skin. I realize not everyone’s ambition is to pound countless miles on the pavement, but each person has their own “Ironman” so to speak. Something that challenges them in a positive way, leading them to energetic & passionate living. By cultivating a relationship with the body and fueling it properly, we can each begin to find our drive and realize our truest potential. I hope you will keep Getting Hungry with me here on the blog!

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Let's start with the most important meal of the day, shall we? You got it. Breakfast! I would like to set it as a goal for all readers to eat breakfast every day this week. Maybe even this month. And eventually from here on out. Eating breakfast will jump start your metabolism, increase your productivity and lead you to make healthier decisions throughout the day. 

This recipe is a twist on your classic oatmeal and has a host of health benefits to boot! Feel free to mix in dried fruit, shredded coconut or substitute your favorite nut in place of the walnuts. Here is how I like it...

Honey Walnut Breakfast Polenta

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup polenta, uncooked corn grits
• 1/2 tsp coconut oil
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Preparation Instructions:

1. Heat water in a small pot on the stove until boiling.
2. Add polenta to boiling water and lower heat to simmer.
3. Stir frequently until polenta forms a thick porridge consistency (about 5 minutes).
4. In the last minute of cooking, stir in coconut oil, honey, cinnamon and walnuts. 
5. Dish into a small bowl or mug and enjoy!

Fuel Facts

The Numbers: 

412 calories, 8 grams protein, 22 grams fat, 48 grams carbohydrate, 4 grams fiber

The Breakdown:

v Polenta – This low calorie grain will fill you up without filling you out. The yellow color is rich in carotenoids, antioxidants that protect cells against aging and cancer.

v Coconut Oil – About 92 percent of the fat in coconut oil comes from saturated fats. You have probably heard that saturated fats are bad for you and to avoid them in your diet. In general, the rule is to limit saturated fats to less than 10 percent of your total intake. However, not all of these fats are created equal.

Unlike other oils, coconut oil has a high percent of medium chain fats which are smaller and easier for the body to break down. Instead of storing these shorter chain fats, the body is more likely to use them for energy. This may not lead to weight loss, but it will certainly boost your energy. A few studies have also shown those who consume coconut oil have an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol and a decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol.

v Honey – Due to the combination of glucose and fructose, honey will keep you energized longer than it’s sweet counterparts. Glucose is used quickly by the body, providing an immediate energy source. Fructose takes longer to absorb, sustaining blood sugar levels. When blood sugar is kept stable, your energy will also remain constant, so say goodbye to the afternoon crash.

Honey is also a great natural healer. For starters it is packed with polyphenols, antioxidants that have immune boosting properties to keep you from becoming sick. In addition, honey contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide which is why it is believed to be antibacterial in nature. Honey can be used topically to treat burns, wounds, and even acne. Honey fights off impurity-causing bacteria while also hydrating the skin.

v Cinnamon – Many studies have shown the stabilizing effects of cinnamon on blood sugar. This is beneficial for anyone who wants to keep energy levels constant throughout the day, and especially helpful for diabetics or those who experience hypoglycemia. Cinnamon has also been shown to act as an anti-inflammatory by limiting the release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes, a fatty acid that typically causes inflammation.

v Walnuts – These are the only nuts that are a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids, containing 2.5 grams per ounce. Strong evidence exists to support the role of omega 3 fatty acids in lowering the risk for heart disease and preventing inflammation. A number of studies have also found benefits in relation to mood, brain function and healthy skin.