There is a pretty popular saying in Germany that translates to something like “breakfast like an emperor, lunch like a king, and dine like a beggar.” Basically, it means that breakfast should be the most important meal of the day. And I couldn’t agree more! Not only because I love the variety of breakfast foods – I’m talking pancakes, smoothies, poached eggs, oatmeal, avocado toast – but also because I like to start my day with a nourishing meal.
To me, having a healthy breakfast is one of my morning rituals that I try to stick to as often as possible. It kind of sets an intention for the day – not only regarding nutrition but also when it comes to taking time for yourself.
The latter is something we so often forget about. On a typical work day, we run from one meeting to the next, check our Instagram accounts in between, and scarf down lunch at our desks while answering emails. We forget to realize the beautiful flowers on our way to the subway or the fresh breeze when riding our bikes.
That’s why I started to meditate about three years ago. It was very hard at first. How can I NOT think? But then I was introduced to the meditation app headspace that guided me through the process, and I slowly started to notice the benefits of carving out time for myself each day.
Since then I am trying to meditate every morning for 5-10 minutes. This seems a lot, but it’s nothing compared to the hours(!) you spend on social media every day. I don’t always manage to stick to my meditation practice – but every time I do, I can feel the impact it has on the rest of my day.
The same is true for a healthy breakfast. But who has time for cooking up some fancy meal before going to work? Therefore, I am always looking for recipes that I can prepare the day before. And one of my favorites is chia pudding. You just mix everything the night before, pop it in the fridge, and it’s ready to eat when you get up! This recipe has pureed berries and açaí powder for flavor and that extra portion of vitamins and antioxidants (unfortunately I couldn’t find frozen açaí puree in Germany, so I used powder instead).
I also like pretty meals … therefore, instead of just mixing everything I created different layers to create a beautiful ombre effect. Because it’s all about self-care!
So, who would not want to wake up to such a simple, nourishing, and pretty breakfast?
Happy Monday everyone!
Love,
Marion
açaí berry chia pudding
Simple, nourishing, and pretty breakfast
Ingredients
- For the chia pudding:
- 250ml almond milk
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- maple syrup to taste
- For the berry açaí puree:
- 150g berries
- 1/2 ripe banana
- 2 teaspoons açaí powder
Directions
- Step 1 In a bowl mix almond milk, chia seeds, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and maple sirup (optional) and let sit overnight (or at least 2 hours).
- Step 2 Blend berries, banana, and açaí powder in a food processor until smooth.
- Step 3 Divide the chia pudding among 3 separate bowls. “Color” each bowl with different amounts of the fruit puree and mix until well combined. Layer the different mixtures in a mason jar (if you have little time, skip this step and just mix the chia pudding with all the fruit puree).
- Step 4 Decorate with berries, nuts, coconut flakes, nut butter or other toppings.
