And we’re back!
It took a hot minute, but I finally was able to get my computer up and running. I’m still figuring out my apartment light, but so far, I’m pleasantly surprised.
I can’t believe we’re mid-October. How is this year almost over?! How has so much happened, so quickly?! How do I still not have a Halloween costume?! All these pressing questions are on my brain.
Before I dive into the absolute heaven that is this Antioxidant Cherry Berry Granola + Yogurt Parfait, how about I update you on all the fun-ness that has been my life? I say that as though there’s been a lot of craziness, but so far, October has mostly consisted of me remembering that I have ClassPass (I took a hip hop class and was terrible) and trying to get back into the kitchen.
Honestly, I think one of the hardest parts about big life changes is finding the calm again. It’s hard to get back into the rhythm and routine of daily life. That can be a welcome change: it can mean getting out with friends, when previously things were stagnant. It can mean trying new things, being open to new experiences. But it can also feel unbalanced, unstable, unrelenting. I have felt all of these feelings over the last few months.
It feels nice that I finally have the swing of things: there’s less chaos, there’s more freedom. (There’s more drinking.) And with all of these things, both good and bad, comes stress. So what better way to mitigate the effects of that stress, than by eating a super antioxidant rich breakfast?! No, no–don’t roll your eyes. I’m serious!
Table of Contents
Antioxidant Cherry Berry Granola + Yogurt Parfait
This recipe is pretty simple to make, and it all started because I had so many dried cherries and blueberries on hand. What’s a health nut to do? Make paleo granola of course! This recipes is actually adapted from my Coconut + Cacao Pecan Paleo Granola. And then I couldn’t help but ride the cherry-berry bandwagon, and so I made a chia compote using frozen cherries, blackberries and blueberries! You can use whatever mix you have–but frozen cherries are so delicious!
There’s a couple nutrition power points that I love about this breakfast:
- It’s high in antioxidants. Cherries and berries are all very high in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins and polyphenols. These are key in reducing oxidative stress and consequently lowering the risk of degenerative diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease. (This is also good for the skin!)
- It’s has a boost of fibre. The chia seeds add extra fibre to this, making it a more full and satiating meal.
- It’s gut healthy. Coconut yogurt is full of probiotics, but comes without the sometimes unpleasant consequences of dairy (ie. bloating and digestive issues). This feeds your good gut bacteria, and is super tasty!
It’s one for the books. I promise. I love me a good granola. In fact, I’ve eaten most of this as a late snack than a morning meal. Ah well, you only live once (and obviously things are getting crazy up in here). Definitely give it a go, and let me know your thoughts!
Have a wonderful week, lovely humans! Let me know what you’re making for breakfast these days in the comments below, and be sure to subscribe to the blog for the latest posts!
OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE
Grain-Free Chocolate PB Banana Waffle Sandwich
Energy-Boosting Spirulina + Blueberry Chia Pudding
Antioxidant Cherry Berry Granola + Yogurt Parfait {paleo + vegan}
Ingredients
Paleo Antioxidant Granola
- 1 1/2 cup pecans chopped
- 3/4 cup walnuts chopped
- 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup dried blueberries
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup hemp seeds
Chia Cherry Berry Compote
- 2 cups mixed berries (cherries, blackberries, raspberries) frozen
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 cups coconut yogurt
Instructions
For the granola
- Preheat oven to 300F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a large bowl, combine pecans, walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
- In a small saucepan, melt together maple syrup, coconut oil and sea salt. Pour mixture over mixed nuts and stir to thoroughly combine.
- Spread granola mix onto parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 300F for 25-35 minutes, or until golden.
- Toss granola with dried fruit and hemp seeds. Store in airtight container for up to three weeks.
For the compote:
- In a small saucepan, combine mixed berries, maple syrup and water. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the fruit has begun to break down.
- Stir in the chia seeds and set aside to thicken. Keep in the fridge for 4-5 days.
For the parfait:
- To build the parfaits, layer a glass with coconut yogurt, compote and granola, and repeat until filled to the top.
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