Creamy Oatmeal Smoothie

This is one way to get your oatmeal and a smoothie all together in one for a delicious breakfast or any time of the day! I love it in the mid afternoon at times if I want an ice cream, this fulfills that craving. Now if you want it gluten free, make sure you buy the organic oats.  From what I have learned in my research, organic oats do not contain gluten, only the non-organic kind which has been harvested next to other grains that contain gluten such as rye and barley.  Also be sure to buy the ones not mixed with any other ingredients, just plain organic oats.  I like the steel oats and rolled oats myself, these being very close to their natural form, unrefined oat grotes (whole grain oats) and very little heat is used in the making process .

NOTE: for this recipe, have some cut up frozen bananas.  Take a banana and cut it up into 1 inch rounds.  Freeze in a freezer bag or container of your choice overnight. Soak 2 dates overnight as well in a bowl with just enough water covering them.

RECIPE:

1. 4 oz of almond milk
2. 4 oz plain kefir
3. 2 soaked dates, pitted
4. a half of an apple cut up
5. 1 fresh cinnamon stick
6. 4 pieces of cut up frozen banana
7. a quarter of a teaspoon of ground cinnamon
8. 1 teaspoon of raw honey
9. a half cup of oats
10. 12 small ice cubes or 6 big ones

Put all the ingredients in the blender except the oats and the cinnamon stick and blend it all well until thick consistency.  Add the oats and blend it a little more so it's stirred in there a bit and so there are little pieces of oats in the smoothie.  After you pour it in a tall glass, add the cinnamon stick. You might need a spoon, it's like an ice cream!

HEALTH BENEFITS OF OATS:

1. reduces oxidative stress naturally.  The antioxidants in oats helps fight free radicals 
2. beta-glucan, the fiber in oats, enhances the human immune system response to bacterial infection
3. beta-glucan has beneficial effects on diabetes.  The soluble fiber slows the absorption of glucose, which keeps sugar spikes and dips at bay
4. rich in magnesium which is key to enzyme function and energy production.  Relaxes blood vessels which prevents strokes and heart attacks, aiding the heart muscle and lowering blood pressure.
5. Helps with weight loss as this food is loaded with fiber so you feel full longer and lowers your cravings for unhealthy snacks.  It is very low in fat, calories, and full of vitamins.  
6. It aids in constipation with its high fiber content.
7. Oats can be used on the skin for a remedy to skin problems such as acne, chicken pox, stress rashes and dermatitis.