Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bake with Greek Yogurt Icing

If you've been to the grocery store this weekend, you know that it is officially the holiday season. Everyone is stocking up for their Thanksgiving meal, getting ready for friends and family to visit. I honestly love the hustle and bustle. There is so much excitement in the air and so much to look forward to. The holiday's are a time we come together and revisit our family traditions. And, correct me if I'm wrong, pretty much every holiday tradition centers around food in one way or another. As a food lover, I am not in the least bit upset by this. But as a health advocate, I want to spread the word that we can tweak our traditions to be a bit more nutritious without missing out on the joy of the holidays. You may notice that eating healthier throughout this season might actually allow you to enjoy them more fully!

One of my family's traditions growing up was cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. As we got older, we all enjoyed the smell of cinnamon baking in the oven and the feelings tied to those sticky buns, but we didn't care as much to eat them because we always felt so crummy afterwards. Hence, why I decided to try a little something different as a stand in for our holiday tradition. I ate two pieces this morning for breakfast, icing and all. It totally feels like the holiday's in our home and instead of a tummy ache, I am energized and off to yoga!

Which... thanks to Lorna Jane, I will be doing in style! I went to a super fun opening event at their new store at Bridgeport Village and left with some awesome new yoga gear. The Lorna Jane motto is Nourish, Move, Believe. I love it! Such a great message that when we nourish our mind, move our body and believe in ourselves we truly are unstoppable! Definitely a great mantra throughout the holiday season and all year around.

Give this a try or experiment with switching up your own family recipes. Happy Holidays :)

Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bake

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk (I used almond milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp Earth Balance
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup applesauce

Ingredients for Greek Yogurt Icing

• 6 oz container (or 3/4 cup) 0% Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla

Preparation Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Mix together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, melt Earth Balance in the microwave then add remaining ingredients and beat together.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients. 
4. Grease an 8" square pan, add batter and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, mix icing ingredients. Spread onto the oatmeal bake after it is out of the oven.

Fuel Facts

Makes 9 servings

Numbers per serving: 200 calories, 6 gm protein, 5 gm fat, 35 gm carbs, 4 gm fiber

Ingredient Breakdown:

Oats – Oats are known for their heart healthy benefits. They contain beta-glucan, a specific fiber that helps lower cholesterol levels. Studies have shown, in those with high cholesterol levels (over 220 mg/dl), ½ cup of oats or 1 bowl of oatmeal can lower cholesterol by 8-23 percent.

Whole Wheat – Unlike processed white flour, whole wheat flour still contains the bran and the germ of the grain which provides fiber and nutrients that white flour is lacking. Wheat is a one of the crops most genetically modified in the United States, so whenever possible, look for products that state non-GMO.

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.

      Egg – Eggs have the highest biological value of any protein source. This means that you can achieve more of the benefits with less of the protein. Contrary to popular belief, the dietary cholesterol in eggs is not associated with increased blood cholesterol (the type of cholesterol that is linked to heart disease). This misconception is continually being disproven with current research.

In fact, the yolk is a nutritional power house, containing high amounts of choline, a B-complex vitamin, and vitamin B12. Choline has been linked with better brain function and is important in preventing fat accumulation in the liver. Adequate B12 in the diet is crucial for preventing anemia as well as neurological deterioration. B12 deficiencies have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly and neural tube defects in newborns.

Applesauce – Apples are naturally sweet, so look for unsweetened varieties. In any baked goods calling for butter or oil, you can swap out applesauce to yield a moist, low-fat treat.

Almond Milk – A creamy, low-calorie substitute for cow’s milk, this nutty variety is easy to digest making it a good add to pre-workout meals or smoothies.

Vanilla – Using vanilla in baked goods enhances the flavor, decreasing the need for large amounts of sugar. Some believe it may have aphrodisiac effects and help with intestinal gas, but neither of these benefits have been confirmed through research.

Earth Balance Buttery Spread – This is a great product to replace the butter in your kitchen. Unlike butter, which is made by churning milk or cream, Earth Balance is made from healthy, non-hydrogenated oils and without artificial ingredients. It is also a vegan product, free of dairy, eggs, and gluten, making it accessible to many people with food allergies.

Maple Syrup – Made from the sap of the maple tree, this sweetener is a great natural alternative to refined sugar. Maple syrup is also high in zinc and manganese, nutrients that boost the immune system.