So we’re all chiming in a new year. 2024! It’s real and raw as many are probably searching for a cause, looking to set new goals, counting the achievements, or just looking for a purpose. Let me give you some anti-philosophy!
“I am not going to give you a destination. I can only give you a direction - awake, throbbing with life, unknown, always surprising, unpredictable. I’m not going to give you a map. I can give you only a great passion to discover.” ~ Osho
My belief has always been that there is no destination but rather a journey we take, and this journey defines us. We succeed, fail, get up, are wiser, and then change and adjust our path to follow a new adventure.
2024 and we need to free ourselves from being suppressed by adherence to static belief systems and dogmas of socialisation or institutions that tell us we need to compete to get better than the next person, we need to be more successful, thinner, faster, richer ….
I cannot but emphasise the importance of self-growth, freethought, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, love, celebration, courage, creativity, and … humour. Because in the end if you can laugh at yourself and your missteps in life, things become much more uncomplicated and straightforward. Focusing on creating an environment based on consistent and fulfilling principles can bring a unique and profound inner satisfaction compared to simply setting and achieving goals.
Goals often represent specific achievements or milestones, which, once accomplished, may bring a sense of accomplishment. However, the satisfaction derived from living by consistent and fulfilling principles can be ongoing and more deeply rooted. This means shaping our daily actions, decisions, and interactions based on values and principles that resonate with our core beliefs.
When we prioritize creating an environment guided by principles, we may experience a more sustained and intrinsic sense of well-being. Living in alignment with our values can provide a sense of purpose, integrity, and inner peace, regardless of external circumstances or specific achievements.
If your goal is to “lose weight” by simply shifting the perspective to focusing on the guided principle of “wellbeing” you can create daily good habits and make positive decisions to help you reach your wish. It's not just wordplay; it's a mindset shift that can transform your journey. Suddenly, the journey becomes less about restriction and more about creating daily habits that nourish not only our bodies but our souls too.
A big part of my daily well-being is making sure I am nourished right from the start of the day. Breakfast is often my most important meal as it not only fuels me, but I have realized that if my day kicks off with the right choices I find myself making positive choices for me throughout the day. Like I said above it’s a shift of the mindset.
That is why in this post I am sharing 3 awesome ideas for easy, quick and very wholesome breakfast jars. Each one packed with all the good stuff your body and soul will need throughout the day.
Recipe Jar 1: Carrot and Cardamom Overnight Chia Oats
By Meeta K. WolffPrep Time:
Total Time:
Makes: 1 Jar
Ingredients
- ½ cup oats
- 1-2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1-2 tablespoons flax seeds
- 2 small carrots, grated
- 2 whole cardamom pods, slightly crushed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ to 1 cup plant based milk
- 2-3 tablespoons coconut yoghurt
- Maple syrup
- Yellow raisins
- Peans, chopped
MAKE IT!
- In a jar mix all the ingredients, except the pecans and some of the grated carrots, together. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight
- Next morning give everything another mix adding more milk and/or coconut yogurt if desired. Then top with the reserved carrots and the chopped pecans.
- Either enjoy straight away or cover and take with you to the office, gym, breakfast picnic etc.
Notes and Tips
- Make it gluten-free: use certified gluten-free oats or rice flakes and you’re good to go. Remember that oats are higher in protein and fiber compared to rice flakes.
- Add protein: add around 2 tablespoons of your favorite protein powder to increase the protein content.
- Rolled Oats: Although you can you both rolled oats and quick cooking oats, I personally find the texture of rolled oats in this recipe more desirable. They hold their shape well after the overnight treatment.
Watch me make it
Recipe videoRecipe Jar 2: Matcha Chia Pudding with Raspberries and Coconut
Prep Time:Total Time:
Makes: 1 Jar
Ingredients
- 2 -3 teaspoons matcha powder
- 1 cup milk of choice (I used almond milk)
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ½ tablespoon honey
- 2-3 tablespoons Skyr
- ½ to 1 cup plant based milk
- Toppings: fresh raspberries, coconut flakes and chopped almonds
MAKE IT!
- In a jar mix together all the ingredients, except for the skyr and the toppings. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight
- Next morning give everything another mix adding more milk and the skyr. Then top with the toppings and you're ready to go.
Notes and Tips
- Use High-Quality Matcha: Opt for high-quality ceremonial grade matcha for a vibrant color and rich flavor in your pudding. This ensures the best taste and maximum health benefits.
- Experiment with Sweeteners: Adjust the sweetness to your preference by using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave. Start with a small amount and taste-test before adding more.
- Make it a Parfait: Create a layered parfait by alternating the chia pudding with fresh berries and coconut flakes. This not only looks beautiful but also adds variety to each spoonful.
Watch me make it
Recipe videoRecipe Jar 3: Millet Mango And Pistachio Porridge
Prep Time:Total Time:
Makes: 1 Jar
Ingredients
- 100g millet - cooked as per packet instructions
- 50 to 100ml plant-based milk (I used almond)
- A nice sprinkle of cinnamon
- A drizzle of maple syrup
- 1 mango - cubed
- 50g pistachios - chopped
MAKE IT!
- Add all ingredients except the mango and pistachios into the jar, cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Next day add the cubed mango and pistachios and dig in!
Notes and Tips
- Warm it: If it’s a cold rainy day simply warm the porridge in the microwave before you add the fruit and nuts. So Good!
- Preparation Efficiency: Rinse and soak millet in water before cooking to improve its digestibility and reduce cooking time.
- Nutrient-Rich Millet: Millet is a whole grain rich in nutrients like fiber, magnesium, and vitamins. It provides sustained energy, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome breakfast.
Watch me make it
Recipe videoVerdict
In Jar 1 I have for you: deep flavours of cardamom and cinnamon, sweet yellow raisins that plump up with the overnight treatment in the coconut yoghurt and the chia gives this a boosted protein kick. The grated carrots gives you the extra serving of vegetable to start off the day! Carrots are a good source of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. Fiber also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes later in the day.
Jar 2 I give you: Matcha Chia Pudding with Raspberries and Coconut offers a well-balanced fusion of matcha's earthiness, coconut's creaminess, the unique texture of chia seeds, and the natural sweetness of fresh raspberries. The result is a delicious and nutritious treat that satisfies both the taste buds and the desire for a wholesome breakfast or snack.
For Jar 3 I have: A Millet Mango and Pistachio Porridge which is not overly sweet, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. It's a dish that can be enjoyed as a nourishing breakfast or a wholesome snack, offering a delightful fusion of fruity, nutty, and creamy elements. The natural sweetness of ripe mangoes infuses the porridge with a burst of fruity flavor while pistachios provide a satisfying crunch, adding a rich and slightly earthy nuttiness to each bite.
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