Doesn’t this look WAY better than instant oatmeal?
Usually healthier breakfasts look a little bland but this healthy breakfast is so colorful and really tasty.
What’s in it?
Quinoa
Keen-wah, as it’s pronounced, is a “super food” as it can provide 9 essential amino acids, including lysine. However, ignore what you heard about it being a grain because that isn’t accurate. Quinoa is actually more closely related to beets, spinach and tumbleweeds. Tumbleweeds? Who’s eating tumbleweeds?
I don’t know what tumbleweeds (or thistle) taste like, perhaps quite tasty, but I can tell you that quinoa actually is quite versatile, which is a nice way of saying bland. However, that’s a good thing. Quinoa is very good (like tofu) for its ability to absorb the flavors it’s in whether it be a broth, seasonings or, in our case, fresh fruit.
Walnuts
Did you know that walnuts contain plenty of high-quality protein that can substitute for meat; vitamins and minerals and dietary fiber? They also have omega-3 fatty acids which are good for your brain because, uh, can’t remember. Should eat some more walnuts. I jest. Omega-3 fatty acids are good to help your brain perform better. And they provide crunch to your cereal.
Almonds
Almonds, like other nuts including the walnut, can help increase the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and reduce the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL). Said another way almonds are good for your heart and a great to snack on. But are you like me and snack on them too much? Try getting the nuts with the shell and crack them as you watch old episodes of 30 Rock, or whatever show you enjoy. You have to work to get the nuts and the piles of shells can trick your brain into thinking you’ve eaten a lot as opposed to eating 15+ unshelled almonds in one sitting.
Coconut
Raisins
There are people who, like in the movie Benny and Joon, do not like raisins. Joon makes a great metaphor about how they were once grapes and are now shriveled and sad. Me? I see mouse droppings. Gross. But raisins are not gross. Dried fruit comes packed with sugar but, again, moderation is key and you’ll get some goodies like antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Kiwi
Tart. Green. Fun. Kiwis are a great treat that provide fiber and phytonutrients. Phyto – what?! Phytonutrients, which repair DNA, act as the body’s protection against some cancers, and function as antioxidants.
Mango
Mango! One of my favorite fruits. In addition to being sticky sweet fungoodtimes, you’ll also get fiber, potassium, vitamins A & C.
Why Is This A Successful Breakfast?
The key to success (for me) is it has to be easy to make. Otherwise, I’ll end up skipping breakfast and that is a recipe for disaster. I make a big batch of quinoa in the beginning of the week but won’t season it.
Then the night before I’ll cut up the fruits, chop up the nuts and sprinkle the coconut flakes and the next morning — you’ve got a tasty breakfast treat.
Enjoy!
Resources
Quinoa: The Protein-Rich, Incan Superfood
Walnuts Are Top Nut for Heart-Healthy Antioxidants
Are Raisins Good For You? Raisins Health Benefits
Kiwi and its Many Health Benefits
Nutrition Facts of Mango
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