Elixir Eats: Berry Breakfast Bake.

Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day but unfortunately, too many people think it’s okay to skip it. This could either be because they are simply not hungry, they think it will help them loose weight or they are pressed for time.

The problems with skipping a healthy breakfast:

• You are more likely to become irritated, restless and tired.

• You may feel stressed more easily.

• Can contribute to weight gain through binging and overeating on unhealthy options later in the day.

Advantages of fuelling your day:

• Restores glucose levels, the carbohydrates wake up up and help our brain function.

• Sustained energy release and endurance for the day.

• Less likely to crash at the end of the day.

• You can make it a part of your morning routine.

• Kickstarts your digestive system.

• Helps to maintain a healthy metabolism.

• Helps to balance blood sugar levels.

• Increased concentration.

• Improves memory.

• Can actually help with weight loss.

• Long term health benefits such as reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Whipping up this beauty of a breakfast means you have a batch of ready made, easy to serve brekkie’s on the go! You can be in and out the door pronto without jeopardising your energy for the day ahead. Small carbohydrate-only breakfasts, for example 1 piece of fruit or a slice of toast can only give you energy for 1 to 2 hours, leading to your tummy rumbling sooner than you hope. Make the effort to have a breakfast with more substance, containing a healthy ratio of carbs, fat and protein which will keep you satisfied for hours! Think porridge, banana protein pancakes or avocado on rye toast!

QUINOA contains all 9 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein as well as being packed with vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre.

COCONUT SYRUP is not like regular sugar. It absorbs slowly into the bloodstream meaning your blood sugar levels are more balanced. It is also high in nutrients and contains up to 16 amino acids.

BLUEBERRIES are low in naturally occurring sugars and a great source of antioxidants and Vitamin C to keep skin youthful and radiant.

Ingredients

quinoa flakes 500g

1 cup ground almonds

1 cup coconut oil

1 cup almond milk

1/3 cup coconut syrup

1/4 cup coconut palm sugar

3 tbsp chia seeds

2 tbsp flax seeds (or ground flax)

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tbsp nutmeg

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

125g blueberries - save half for topping

250g strawberries - chopped into small pieces

small handful goji berries for topping

makes 1 large tray bake.

Prep

Preheat oven to 180 degrees. You will also need a wooden spoon, a pan, a large mixing bowl and a large rectangular baking dish lined with greaseproof paper.

How we did it

1. Place the quinoa flakes, chia and flax seeds, spices, ground almonds and coconut sugar into a large mixing bowl and mix together thoroughly.

2. Melt the coconut oil in a pan. Once it has liquified pour over the ingredients in the mixing bowl along with the coconut syrup. Stir in well so they are both fully absorbed.

3. Now add the almond milk and continue to mix the mixture together.

4. Gently stir the berries in so they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

5. Transfer mixture into the baking dish. Decorate the top with the remaining blueberries by pressing them into the surface and bake for 30-40 minutes. Ovens vary, so keep an eye on the top, it should turn a crisp golden brown.

6. Once out of the oven, decorate with goji berries by also pressing them into the surface then set aside to cool for 1 hour so it is firm enough to cut into squares.

ELIXIR TIP: Prepare your week ahead and bake this on a Sunday night! You can store in the fridge or freezer in convenient grab and go portions You can also add more goji berries or chopped medjool dates in the mixture for extra sweetness.

Enjoy!

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