Wellness Tip: The Ultimate Beautifying, Energizing, and Metabolism-Boosting Breakfast

Thank you to Valerie Horne for contributing this Wellness Tip.

Matcha Chia Seed Pudding - The Ultimate Beautifying, Energizing, and Metabolism-Boosting Breakfast

This simple breakfast recipe combines seeds, nuts and raisins for an energizing, nutritious start to the day.

Nuts and seeds make a high-fat, high-calorie, nutrient-dense breakfast that is a fantastic option for someone who is active and wants to feel full for hours. The key ingredients in this breakfast are chia seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, and raisins.

We love this breakfast because in addition to the healthy fats, it is full of fiber to improve gut health, antioxidants to combat free radical damage, and a variety of vitamins and minerals including vitamin K, iron, vitamin E, and magnesium. Chia seeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids which our brains need to function properly, promote good memory, and aid in learning. Omega-3 fatty acids will also boost your complexion, giving you nourished and soft skin. From the raisins, you will get natural sugars for quick energy, soluble fiber for gut health and digestion, and anti-inflammatory properties.

While these nuts and seeds do contain a fair amount of protein, pairing this breakfast with a protein shake or other high-protein foods like Greek yogurt will make for a well-rounded, satisfying breakfast to carry you through the first half of your day.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons chia seeds

• ¼ cup raw walnuts

• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds

• ¼ cup coconut flakes

• ¼ cup raisins

• ½ – 1 cup liquid of choice; you can use water or your favorite nut milk

• Optional: a few drops of monkfruit or stevia to sweeten

• Optional: 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder

• Optional: a dash of Ceylon cinnamon

Method: Add all of your ingredients to a serving bowl and mix well.