Superfood Breakfast Bowl - Quick & Easy Recipe

I find if I start my day with a well-balanced, nutritious meal, I’m less likely to overeat later in the day or feel like I want to continuously snack between dinner and bedtime. Breakfast bowls are all the rage right now, and rightfully so--they're a delicious concept. This bowl is warm, satisfying, packed full of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, and keeps me full until lunch.

The sweet goji berries are not only delicious and add a cool texture, but also contain over 4g of protein, 21 essential minerals, 18 amino acids, and an impressive array of antioxidants.

Coconut is high in medium chain fatty acids, which are fats that lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease. A specific type of medium chain fatty acid is Lauric acid, which is shown to support immune function and have antiviral and antifungal properties. All that fat is important for adding satiety to your meal, and it also doesn’t spike your blood glucose levels.

Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Chia seeds provide 11g of fiber in 1 Tablespoon! One Tablespoon also provides 177mg of calcium, close to 20% of your daily calcium needs. Chia’s also provide phosphorus, manganese, and zinc.

The cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg mix is delightlful. Cinnamon is known for numerous health benefits, including helping stabilize and lower blood glucose levels.

This breakfast bowl maximizes nutrition in every bite!

Superfood Breakfast Bowl

*makes 2 servings

Ingredients

½ cup of quinoa

1½ cups water

½ cup coconut milk

2 dried merjool dates (more for added sweetness), seeds removed and chopped

1 teaspoon cinnamon  

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon cardamom

2 Tablespoons pepitas 

1 Tablespoon shredded coconut

1 Tablespoon golden raisins, or try these Himalayan monukka raisins    

To garnish: banana, goji berries, chia seeds, and coconut flakes

For more sweetness, add maple syrup or raw honey

Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa until water runs clear and combine in a medium-size sauce pan with water, coconut milk, and dates.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until quinoa has started to soften.

3. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, pepitas, shredded coconut, and raisins.

4. Cook an additional five minutes, adding water if necessary, until quinoa is soft and fully cooked.

5. Serve hot and topped with banana, goji berries, chia seeds, and coconut flakes. Add maple syrup or honey to sweeten further if you’d like!

Enjoy!

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods

Recipe courtesy of Camille Styles