BLUEBERRY CHIA BOWL

Breakfast is probably my favourite meal of the day. The day is fresh and young, full of possibilities and potential. I can think of nothing better for setting the tone for my day than by enjoying a breakfast that is delicious, fun, and nourishing.

I'm also a big fan of raw and fruit-based breakfast, as first thing in the morning, hydration is my number one priority. So besides drinking nearly a litre of water within ten minutes of waking up, loading up my breakfast with hydrating foods is crucial. Chia seeds are a brilliant way to do this -- their ability to absorb so much liquid is incredible, and so good for your body (also all of their fibre, good fats, protein!). So these superpowered little seeds make an almost daily appearance in my diet, whether that is thrown into a smoothie, soaked for a chia pudding, or blended into a breakfast bowl like this recipe.

This bowl is refreshing and super satisfying -- and in the morning, comes together within 5 minutes. I've given some ideas below the recipe for variations you can try, but the general theme here is simplicity and ease. It's not anything revolutionary or radical, rather a ritual I thoroughly enjoy.

BLUEBERRY CHIA BOWL
serves 1 as a meal, 2 as a snack

1/4 cup/40 g chia seeds
1 cup/250 ml water or coconut water
1 cup/115 g frozen blueberries
1/4 cup/60 ml mylk of choice
pinch of ground vanilla
squeeze of lemon juice
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
fresh blueberries, sliced peaches, coconut chips, to serve

In a bowl, stir together the chia seeds and water. Store in a glass jar in the fridge overnight, stirring twice before you go to bed. In the morning, combine the soaked chia with the blueberries, mylk, vanilla, lemon and maple (if using) in a blender. Blend on high for a couple of minutes, until smooth and silky.

Pour into a bowl, top with fresh blueberries, sliced peaches and coconut chips.

More topping ideas: activated buckwheat, dried figs, almond butter, goji berries, seasonal fruit, cacao nibs.

More flavour ideas: use nearly any berry or non-acid fruit in place of the blueberries (blackberries, mango, raspberries, peach, pear, banana).