How often do you leave the house in the morning in a mad rush because LIFE and you just don't have time for breakfast? Here's a yummy quick and easy fix that even the kids will love, its nutritious, delicious and packed with goodness. Heres why

Oats

Oats are rich in antioxidants that prevent the body from disease causing free radicals. They contain soluble fibre beta-glucan that helps to lower LDL cholesterol (the bad one), regulate blood glucose and feed the good bugs in your gut. They also help keep you regular.

Almonds

Almonds are a good source of vitamin E, copper, magnesium, and high-quality protein; they also contain high levels of healthy unsaturated fatty acids along with high levels of bioactive molecules (such as fibre, phytosterols, vitamins, other minerals, and antioxidants) which can help prevent cardiovascular heart diseases. Almonds are also a good source of fibre, essential for cardiovascular heath.

Walnuts

Walnuts are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids and contain high amounts of copper, integral for preventing signs of premature ageing, manganese an essential co-enzyme in various metabolic processes and biotin (B7) beneficial for health of skin, nails and hair, protects brain function and fights cognitive decline. Walnuts are literally brain food.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are beneficial for skin and bone health and contain selenium that supports thyroid function. Its high antioxidant content helps prevent chronic disease such as diabetes and heart disease and even help prevent cancer.

Dates

No better way to start the day. Dates help support regular bowel movement, reduce blood pressure and promote respiratory and digestive health.  Dates are also a good source of essential nutrients magnesium, B6, manganese, potassium and copper.

Bananas

Bananas are a great natural sweetener while providing you with Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, manganese, potassium, magnesium, folate and dietary fibre all supportive of heart health. Bananas help to regulate blood pressure improve digestive health, and a study by the Imperial College of London found that children who ate just one banana per day had a 34% less chance of developing asthma.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K and manganese and because they are about 85% water they are also very low in calories. Blueberries are believed to contain the highest antioxidant capacity of all consumed fruits and vegetables. Flavanoids, anthocyanins have many beneficial health effects and because of their high antioxidant activity they protect against ageing caused by DNA damage and cancer.

Cinnamon (Ceylon)

Aside from the fact that cinnamon is super tasty it is one of the healthiest spices on the planet and makes every day feel like christmas! Its a powerful antioxidant that has outranked superfoods like garlic and oregano due to the highly potent polyphenols. Its anti-inflammatory and helps the body fight infections and repair tissue damage. Its cardioprotective and can improve insulin resistance lowering blood glucose levels due to a compound it contains that mimics insulin. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, can reduce bad breath and prevent tooth decay. 

Vanilla

Vanilla is an aphrodisiac and not only good for your libido but also enhances hormones oxytocin and dopamine that are associated with feelings of love and happiness.

Water

The drink of life. Water keeps you hydrated, improves skin texture, increases energy, relieves fatigue, promotes weight loss, boost immune system, flushes toxins from the body.... should I go on?

Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Smoothie 

This recipe is a favourite in our home as its sweet (no added sugars)  and creamy with a hint of spice.  Makes 2 smoothies.

• 1 handful of oats  
• 8 almonds
• 8 walnuts
• 1 tblspn sunflower seeds
• 1-2 dates
• 1 large ripe frozen banana  
• 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries  
• 1/2 tspn of cinnamon
• Seeds of 1 vanilla pod (or 1/2 tspn of vanilla extract) 
• 1 cup of water, coconut water or your favourite milk

Place all the ingredients in a high powered food processor until a thick smooth consistency is achieved. For a smoothie bowl adjust the liquid to solids ratio to achieve a thicker consistency and garnish with extra chopped fruit and seeds