Idea 28. Cinnamon Butternut Squash & Oats.

This recipe not only that it’s packed with real, functional nutrition that supports energy, fullness, and overall health, but it was so much fun to make. And eat! The combination of oats, butternut squash, and dates give plenty of fiber for healthy digestion. Butternut squash also has a high dose of vitamin A for immune support, eye health, and skin health, while oats and peanut butter have magnesium and iron for muscle function and energy production. The squash and dates have potassium that supports hydration and proper muscle and nerve function, and cinnamon and cacao add anti-inflammatory compounds that support metabolic health. AND! All with natural sweetness and no refined sugar!

Here we go:

Ingredients with their approximate protein breakdown:

1 Butternut Squash: ~5 g protein
2 tbsp Olive Oil: 0 g protein
1 tsp Salt: 0 g protein
1 tsp Cinnamon: ~0.1 g protein
1 cup Oats: ~11 g protein
1 cup Boiling Water: 0 g protein
1 tbsp Peanut Butter: ~4 g protein
3 Dates: ~1 g protein
1 tbsp Cacao ~1 g protein

Estimated total protein:
≈ 22 g protein

Notes*
-Most of the protein here comes from the oats and peanut butter.
-Butternut squash seeds are protein-dense for their size, rich in minerals, and high in satiating fats, making them great for fullness, muscle support, and metabolic health. Roasting them enhances flavor and crunch without significantly reducing their nutrient value. Just avoid burning them to preserve healthy fats.

Directions:

PREHEAT YOUR OVEN ON 400 f.
CUT 1 BUTTERNUT SQUASH IN HALF AND TAKE OUT THE SEEDS. (you can wash the seeds and bake them along with the squash, and have butternut squash seeds that are extremely healthy for you, see notes)
BAKE IT FOR 1 hr, ON 400 f, UPSIDE DOWN (it bakes better).
MAKE THE BAKED OATS. – Put 1 cup oats in a bow. Add 1 cup boiling water (or less for thicker oats), cover and let it sit for 10 min.
ADD THE OATS INSIDE THE SQUASH.
DRIZZLE CINNAMON.
ADD THE PEANUT BUTTER.
GARNISH WITH DATES AND MELTED CACAO.
ENJOY.