My life with HIV includes elevated triglycerides and med side effects and absorption problems. I tackle them each morning in one bowl of oatmeal (oats lower blood fats). I’ve shared my formula with other positive folk at pozhealth@yahoogroups.com.

Bring a cup of nonfat milk to a boil in a medium pan. Add a dollop of maple syrup, a few almonds and walnuts (for protein), a dash of cinnamon, and a heaping tablespoon of ground flaxseed (to lower triglycerides). After a few minutes, stir in a half-cup of oatmeal, cover and simmer. Put the cooked brew in a cereal bowl with some berries or a sliced banana, a hefty scoop of whey (protein powder) and a few grams of L-glutamine powder (to prevent diarrhea). Dig in—it’ll bowl you over.          

 —Philip M., San Diego