With a heightened gaze on nutrition and wellbeing, for so many very good reasons, it can be somewhat overwhelming when thinking of how to shop, cook and eat more healthily!
By Ian Taverner
‘I’ve got to change everything. It’s going to cost a fortune. I haven’t got the time, energy, patience or ability and it’s going to taste horrible!’
Wrong! It really doesn’t have to be all or nothing; small measures and small changes can make a massive difference. Besides, ‘cookfulness’ is all about pleasure and relaxation in the kitchen.
Breakfast is the daily meal that most of us probably put the least amount of planning and thought into, yet it’s the easiest and quickest to positively change. And it can set you up in a way no other meal can, boosting energy and mood, reducing fatigue and building positive momentum for the day.
How many of us really feel ready and able to cook up something super healthy and delicious first thing? Instead, it’s packaged cereals, toast and jam, that costs a lot and won’t keep you full for very long, so snacking comes firmly into play… Very quickly in my case!
Changing breakfast habits is a small measure that really can make a massive difference. It’s a lot simpler than you might think and can fill you and your day with tasty, healthy magnificence!
Overnight oats are a wonderful way to help you to help yourself. You really can keep it continually fresh and exciting, super healthy and taste boosted, so every day is filled with excitement and energy. Every layer you add in can be bursting with flavour, texture, smells and visual enticement.
Frozen, ready-chopped fruits are such a great natural health resource and readily available in every exotic combination. Use different flavoured healthy yoghurts or milks, add some spice: a little ginger is fantastic, some fresh basil (yes, really), cinnamon, mixed spice, a little turmeric and even chilli! It’s all filled with natural vitamins and anti-inflammatories that taste great. Just top it up in the morning with some fresh fruit, maybe some toasted desiccated coconut, or mixed nuts for crunch. Try combinations galore, you’ll never get bored.
Or have a go at making your own muesli; it’s really just porridge oats, dried fruit, nuts and seeds and then spice it up again to your taste. Go crazy!
The joy of creating your own breakfast and getting other people involved with you is a massive happiness booster.
You don’t need to do this every day to start with, rather, ease yourself in, focus on getting into the habit of making, changing and enjoying. Don’t overwhelm yourself but make sure you give yourself the space and time to really enjoy making breakfast and even more so to enjoy eating it! Finally, be sure to remember to celebrate your success and the small change you’ve made for a big impact on your health and lifestyle.
Make breakfast your supercharger for the day!
Follow Ian Taverner’s cookfulness journey on Instagram, YouTube and Twitter @Cookfulness
The Cookfulness Cookbook by Ian Taverner is available in hard copy and e-book via Amazon, BookshopUK and Waterstones.
