Kick start your day the right way

For many of us working life can be fast-paced, busy and stressful. Not only does this lead to daily aches and pains and chronic stress, but it can also mean we end up cutting corners, skipping meals and as a result, sacrificing a healthy balanced diet.

For the early risers there is often not enough time to prepare a healthy breakfast. When finishing late in the evening after a long day it can be much more appealing, and more convenient, to grab a takeaway or ready meal on the way home. Over a long period of time, high stress levels combined with poor nutrition can lead to a lowered immune system. This means it’s harder for our bodies to heal and we are more likely to suffer with pain or illness.  

The most important meal of the day

For many reasons breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day; it kick-starts your metabolism, provides you with energy and helps you to focus. Now I am no early bird, so for me, getting up early enough to have time for a healthy breakfast that will sustain me until lunchtime is a real challenge. But actually it only takes a little organisation and preparation to make sure that my body gets the proper nutrition it needs –  which in turn helps me resist the temptation to eat unhealthy food such as a bowl of sugary cereal. 

I came across this recipe in a book called Deliciously Ella by Ella Woodward and it has been a lifesaver for me. It is incredibly easy to make, you can do it the night before and take it with you to work in the morning, and it tastes great! The oats are a good source of energy and help reduce cholesterol and it also doesn’t contain any dairy, wheat or processed sugars, all of which can lead to increased inflammation and irritation in the body.

I usually make several portions and keep them stored in the fridge so I’m ready for the week ahead. It’s one easy step towards changing your diet, improving your health and keeping aches, pains and illnesses at bay. So why not give it a go!

Bircher Muesli 

Serves 1

1 apple
45g rolled oats
40g raisins
15g sunflower seeds
125ml almond milk (or any other plant-based milk)
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey to serve (optional)
Handful frozen berries (optional)

1.    Grate the apple into a bowl, add all the other ingredients and stir them all together. 
2.    Place the mix into an airtight jar and leave in the fridge for about 6 hours to allow the oats to soften and absorb the milk. Continue to store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Return to room temperature to serve.