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.
Carrot and Cardamom Overnight Chia Oats
By: Meeta K. Wolff
Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 10 min + overnight
Makes: 1 Jar
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients
- ½ cup oats
- 1–2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1–2 tbsp flax seeds
- 2 small carrots, grated
- 2 whole cardamom pods, slightly crushed
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ to 1 cup plant-based milk
- 2–3 tbsp coconut yoghurt
- Maple syrup
- Yellow raisins
- Pecans, chopped
MAKE IT!
- Mix all ingredients except pecans and some reserved grated carrots in a jar. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Next morning, stir in more milk/coconut yoghurt if desired, top with reserved carrots and pecans.
- Enjoy immediately or take it on-the-go.
Notes & Tips
- Make it gluten-free: use certified gluten-free oats or rice flakes.
- Add protein: mix in 2 tbsp of your favorite protein powder.
- Rolled oats: maintain texture by using rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats.
Watch me make it
Recipe videoMatcha Chia Pudding with Raspberries and Coconut
By: Meeta K. Wolff
Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 10 min + overnight
Makes: 1 Jar
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients
- 2–3 tsp matcha powder
- 1 cup milk of choice (almond milk used)
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ½ tbsp honey
- 2–3 tbsp Skyr
- ½ to 1 cup plant-based milk
- Toppings: fresh raspberries, coconut flakes, chopped almonds
MAKE IT!
- Mix all ingredients except Skyr and toppings in a jar. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Next morning, mix in Skyr and top with fresh raspberries, coconut, and almonds.
Notes & Tips
- Use High-Quality Matcha: ceremonial grade for vibrant color and flavor.
- Experiment with Sweeteners: adjust sweetness with honey, maple syrup, or agave.
- Make it a Parfait: layer chia pudding with berries and coconut for a beautiful parfait.
Watch me make it
Recipe videoMillet Mango and Pistachio Porridge
By: Meeta K. Wolff
Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 10 min + overnight
Makes: 1 Jar
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients
- 100g millet, cooked
- 50–100ml plant-based milk
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
- Drizzle of maple syrup
- 1 mango, cubed
- 50g pistachios, chopped
MAKE IT!
- Combine all ingredients except mango and pistachios in a jar, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Next morning, add cubed mango and pistachios before serving.
Notes & Tips
- Warm it: microwave before adding fruit and nuts if you prefer it warm.
- Preparation Efficiency: rinse and soak millet before cooking to improve digestibility.
- Nutrient-Rich Millet: provides fiber, magnesium, and vitamins for sustained energy.
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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