Receta Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal + A Visit to the Naturopath!
What do Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal and holistic medicine have in common? Nothing really, except that I experienced both of them on the same day, and they both were relaxing, enjoyable experiences compared to the rainy, gloomy weather this weekend
I started my day with a bowl of Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal, which I was inspired to make by Anne’s awesome recipe! This was seriously the best brunch ever – it tasted EXACTLY like Pumpkin Pie! Anne’s recipe is here, and my slight twist on it is below. Thanks Anne, for the inspiration!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla soy milk
- 1/2 cup canned pureed pumpkin (make sure you don’t get the pumpkin pie filling which is NOT the same thing!)
- dash of stevia extract + dash of honey
- Pumpkin Pie Spice (see picture below) + extra cinnamon to taste (about 1/4-1/2 tsp)
- 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
- 1-2 Tbsp walnuts
- Here’s the organic pureed pumpkin I used…
- And the pumpkin pie spice…
- And the oats…
Directions
Make the rolled oats according to the box (you can either make them in the microwave or on the stove, I made mine in the microwave).
Add the soy milk, blueberries, pumpkin puree, stevia/honey, spices, and walnuts. Stir together to combine. ENJOY!
Yummy! So after brunch, I left for my appointment with Dr. Francis. So why do I see a Naturopath? Well, many of you may not know this, but I’ve struggled with stomach problems for the past 5-10 years. After some medical tests, I was sort of “written off” by my doctors with a diagnosis of IBS (which, I learned, isn’t really a diagnosis – it’s more of a ‘catch all’ for “we don’t know what’s wrong with you). And I figured I’d just have to deal with it for the rest of my life, since IBS can only be “managed” through diet & exercise. Bleh. Frankly, it sucked. But a few months ago, my friend referred me to Dr. Gabrielle Francis – who had helped her manage her UC (ulcerative colitis). I actually had no idea what a Naturopath was until I went to see Dr. Francis, and in short – she’s basically a holistic physician. She has medical degrees in chiropractic, acupuncture, and naturopathic medicine. Not only that, but she’s done some amazing residencies and has numerous post graduate degrees which you can see here. She has an incredible wealth of knowledge – she combines her knowledge of medicine and science with her more natural remedies, and can integrate the two therapies as needed.
Upon my first visit with Dr. Francis, she spent about 2 HOURS with me talking through all my symptoms and after she ran a few tests, she was able to immediately diagnose what was going on with me! (Turns out I have a stomach/intestinal infection that is curable and I’m already on treatment and seeing results which is amazing). Not only does she use natural / herbal / probiotic-based remedies to help manage/cure your condition, but every visit will include a treatment of either acupuncture, chiropractic, or massage depending on your needs.
So what is a visit to Dr. Francis’ office like? Well, first of all, her office is like a peaceful sanctuary. It’s seriously the coolest, most relaxing doctor’s “office” you’ve ever been to! Walk in, take your shoes off, relax in the most comfortable room with a hot cup of tea (that her assistants will immediately offer to you as soon as you enter).
These chairs just engulf you, they are so comfortable, and the tea selection is awesome!
Her assistants are also very knowledgeable and can answer any questions you have while you’re waiting or even after your appointment. Here’s the wonderful Laura
My monthly treatments are focused on acupuncture (and every month Dr. Francis and I talk about how the treatment is working, and make any adjustments as we move forward). I had actually never had acupuncture before I went to Dr. Francis, and was kind of freaked out by it honestly, but it’s a really cool experience! And you can’t even feel the needles once they’re put in (which is kind of awesome). Even her treatment rooms are super relaxing and warm…
I love the wall hanging! After my treatment, I felt relaxed and energized. On my way out I took a picture of Dr. Francis
Thanks for everything Dr. Francis, I’m so grateful to have found you!
Breakfast,
Healthy,
holistic medicine,
oatmeal,
pumpkin,
Quick and Easy,
Recipes,
Vegetarian