The Ultimate Jet Lag Cure: Oatmeal Pancakes (with recipe)

oatmealpancakes

Day three in Florida, and still surrounded by the heavy fog of jet lag. My head aches, my eyes are straining to stay open, and I’ve been up since 4am.

It’s been awhile since I’ve experienced this sensation, as I deliberately keep my vacations within a few hours of Shanghai time. Actually, the last time I had to make this 12-hour adjustment was when I moved to Shanghai last summer. And before that, when I moved back from Korea, in 2011. There’s a reason for this.

It’s said that it takes the body about one day per time zone to get over jet lag. This means that if you traveled from, say, New York to California, it would take you as much as three days to get on California’s schedule. If you traveled from, say, China to Florida, it could take up to 12 days. Twelve days, people! Now, I only predict it will take me half of this time (fingers crossed), but regardless, it’s not fun. Luckily, I have my family, the sun, and pancakes.

That’s right, pancakes. It’s no secret that I’m somewhat of a pancake monster, and breakfast is undoubtedly my favorite meal of the day. I bet I’ve consumed more than 4,000 pancakes in my lifetime (a modest 3 pancakes per week, multiplied by 52 weeks per year, multiplied by 32 years is actually closer to 5,000). It’s pretty ridiculous, when you think about it. But then when you think about how much joy a simple flapjack can bring to your life, it’s not ridiculous at all. In fact, it’s ridiculous that I don’t eat them every single day.

And so I have been. My mother is quite famous in these parts for her oatmeal pancakes—often referred to as “Colon Blow Pancakes” by friends and family. That’s right—these pancakes that are getting me through these tough times are actually healthy. And since I’m feeling tired and vulnerable, I’m going to share this secret recipe with my readers, in hopes you will make them the next time you’re suffering from the ill effects of jet lag.

Strawberry Pancakes

Shine’s “Colon Blow Pancakes”
(Makes about 15-20 pancakes, depending on size)

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 2 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 coconut oil (or oil of your choice)
  • Nuts, blueberries, bananas, strawberries, or any other treats you like in your pancakes

Method:

  • Mix the first three ingredients (baking soda, buttermilk and oats) and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes.
  • Put griddle on high. (Note, you can use a pan, but a griddle works so much better.)
  • Add the flour, baking powder and salt.
  • Beat the eggs and add to the mixture, along with the oil.
  • Use 1/4 cup to pour the batter onto the griddle. If you want to add fruit or nuts, wait until just before you flip the pancake, otherwise they won’t cook through. Pancakes take about a minute to cook on each side.
  • Top with real maple syrup (and blueberries, if you’re like me), and enjoy!
18 Comments
  • eden
    Posted at 00:40h, 26 June

    Pancakes are definitely a cure to many things, looks delicious! 🙂

    http://www.mintnotion.com

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 14:07h, 27 June

      Thanks, Eden! And, I agree 🙂 xo

  • Maria M. Vosilla
    Posted at 11:29h, 29 June

    Good Morning, I’m a friend of your mom’s and I’m looking forward to reading about your adventures along with any recipes you plan to share. Maria

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 16:09h, 29 June

      Thanks so much, Maria! 🙂

  • Pallavi
    Posted at 18:04h, 29 June

    LOOKS SO YUMMY!

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 18:05h, 29 June

      They are, Pallavi! You will be addicted. Thanks for reading! xo

  • vanessa
    Posted at 16:19h, 30 June

    looks so yummi!

    TheVogueWord
    TheVogueWord

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 17:57h, 30 June

      Thanks! They are. Hope you make them soon 🙂 xo

  • Mynutrition
    Posted at 16:58h, 30 June

    Looks delicious! 🙂

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 17:57h, 30 June

      Thanks! They are so easy too. Also possible to sub whole wheat flour for gluten-free varieties 🙂 Thanks for reading! xo

  • Rachel
    Posted at 00:24h, 01 July

    Yum, these look so delicious. Thanks for sharing.

    http://www.racheldinh.com

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 01:45h, 01 July

      Thanks for reading, Rachel! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do 🙂

  • Gabby @ theglobewanderers.com
    Posted at 09:46h, 01 July

    Wowzers. Could those look any more delicious?! I must try them. Trying to do the old healthy eating thing this week, but I’m sure I’ll fall off the wagon in a few days ;). Can’t wait.

    Gabby

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 13:57h, 01 July

      Haha story of my life, Gabby! But these are actually really healthy. And if you want to save calories, top them with natural apple sauce, or coconut butter 🙂

  • Madison
    Posted at 10:45h, 01 July

    Ah thanks for the awesome recipe! I just traveled to Europe, so my jet lag is pretty rough right now. Thanks for the tips! Love to read your blog<3

    Madison
    http://www.treschic.us

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 13:58h, 01 July

      Thanks so much, Madison! If you have trouble finding buttermilk in Europe, you can try to use liquid yogurt or regular milk, mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice (many recipes for buttermilk online). Not quite as good, but still pretty delish 🙂

  • Jackie | The Globetrotting Teacher
    Posted at 14:48h, 01 July

    Those pancakes look so good! Do you know if there’s a street food vendor selling them in Bangkok? (wink wink!)

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 20:02h, 01 July

      Haha! There is plenty of delicious street food in Bangkok to not even think about pancakes!! 😉 Enjoy!