Oatmeal Bars / Porridge Fingers / Baked Oats - whatever you want to call them - they're the perfect healthy, filling, grab-and-go breakfast or snack for adults and children alike.
This week I’m focussing my attentions on immune boosting recipes to help anyone else like me who’s struggling with the seemingly eeeeendless stream of toddler bugs!
Apparently babies & toddlers can get around 7 to 8 colds every year and Lula’s definitely doing her best to smash that goalpost!
I don’t think the lockdowns have helped either. 18 months indoors just with Mummy & Daddy did nothing to build her immunity.
Now she’s at nursery and going to groups, she’s picking up every bug going.
We’ve become pros of the runny nose now, but annoyingly both Darren and I seem to pick up every bug Lula brings home as well.
We almost never got ill before we had kids so we’re both being a bit pathetic and down in the dumps!
So I decided to focus this week on some lovely recipes to help boost our immune systems.
Of course no magical superfood will 100% ensure you will stay healthy.
But with daily positive actions and nutritious meals, you CAN strengthen your immune system and better prepare your body for fighting off bugs.
Some great habits to practice include:
Eat mostly unprocessed whole foods
Get enough protein, healthy fats, fruits and veg
Consume an appropriate number of calories (to avoid gaining excess fat)
Move regularly and get out in the fresh air
Reduce smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Get plenty of sleep
Manage stress
These Blueberry & Coconut Oatmeal Bars (or porridge fingers) make a great healthy, on-the-go breakfast or snack and contain a bunch of immune-boosting ingredients:
Blueberries - berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly blueberries and raspberries.
Oatmeal - oats contain beta-glucan, which is an antimicrobial fiber and antioxidant.
Coconut - coconut milk, coconut water or coconut oil are rich in lauric acid, which is converted to monolaurin in your body - a compound that strengthens immunity.
Eggs - packed with amino acids and antioxidants.
Live Greek yoghurt (on the side) - contains probiotics, the healthy bacteria your intestine needs to keep your digestive system healthy.
Don't forget to tag me @feedingtheirfutures on Instagram if you give it a go! I love to see how these recipes go down with your littles.
