Begin with a Balanced Breakfast

Begin Balanced!

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day and I’m going to reinforce that point one more time for you.

Breakfast REALLY is the most important meal of the day!  This is the only opportunity you have to get your day off on the right foot with good energy, even moods, and a satisfied tummy.

This is also the time to support your body with balanced, nourishing foods that will allow you to navigate the stressors of your day more easily.

The following are 3 awesome recipes that each have the perfect blend of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats to kick off your day in the most beneficial way!
Each recipe is from one of my favourite books “Discover the Power of Food” by Janet Jacks, owner of the Goodness Me stores.

Basic Berry Breakfast Smoothie
Serves 1
1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
1/2 cup coconut, almond or hemp milk
1/2 cup or more water
1 Tbsp Udo’s oil
1 Serving protein powder of your choice

1. Process fruit and the liquid of your choice in a blender till smooth.
2. Add in Udo’s oil and protein powder and process just until blended.
3. Add more water if smoothie is too thick.

Protein-Packed Kefir  Serves 1
Kefir is an enzyme-rich cultured food containing a variety of micro-organisms beneficial for the digestion system.  Look for one from grass-fed cows.

3/4 cup organic plain full-fat kefir (3.8% or more milk fat) Yes you read that right – full fat.  More on the fat topic another time!
3 Tbsp hemp hearts1 Tbsp Udo’s oil or melted coconut oil
2 Tbsp chia seeds
1/4 cup blueberries

1. Stir together.
2. If you like crunch – eat right away to get the crunch factor from the chia seeds.  Or, if you’re more a smooth sailing type – grind your chia seeds in a coffee grinder before adding them to the kefir.
3. You can substitute plain, full-fat yogurt for the kefir if you prefer.

Hemp Seeds

Protein Packed Oatmeal – Serves 1
2 1/2 Tbsp dry steel cut oats, wheat free
1/2 cup water
Generous pinch of unrefined grey or pink salt
1 Tbsp coconut butter ghee (or coconut oil)
3 Tbsp hemp hearts
1 Tbsp ground flax seeds
Cinnamon to taste
1 Tbsp raisins (optional)

1. Combine the oats with the water and salt, and let soak overnight.
2. In the morning, bring them to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook on low for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Place the oatmeal in a bowl and stir in the coconut butter ghee until it melts.  Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
4. If desired, add walnuts or pecans to add a crunchy texture.

Photos curtesy of freedigitalphotos.net