"Never work before breakfast; if you have to work before breakfast, eat your breakfast first." -Josh Billings

Hello beautiful people! 

I've been a little MIA lately because I was visiting family in Italy for the past two weeks. It's such an incredible place. Every time I go, I feel like transformed. The path towards becoming a bodhisattva felt a little easier. I mean, how could you not constantly practice awareness in a country that revolves around love, indulgence, and appreciating the simple pleasures in life? 

Speaking of indulgence, I definitely ate every food possible. So, now that I am back in the wonderful USA, it's time to get back down to business: eating and living healthy. Let's begin with the most important meal of the day, BREAKFAST :)

Helloooooo delicious. This fruit filled delight is a breakfast energy bowl. I created this recipe for those of us who want something light yet filling in the morning. Seriously guys, I was full for a majority of the day from just eating half of this. 

To recreate, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 tbsp organic goji berries
• 1 tbsp flaxseeds
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 small organic banana
• 1/2 cup organic blueberries
• 3 organic strawberries
• 1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp raw agave nectar
• 1/4 cup water

The measurements above will make 2 servings. So, once you've made your bowl, split it in half and save the rest of it in the fridge!

Step 1: 

Measure out your 1/2 of nonfat greek yogurt and place it into a bowl. 

Greek yogurt is phenomenal for you. It contains a higher amount of protein than regular yogurt and clearly doesn't contain fat. It contains probiotics, which are healthy active cultures that aid digestion. Greek yogurt also contains other nutrients such as phosphorus, which helps to maintain a normal pH in the body and generates energy.

Step 2: 

Measure out 1/2 cup of rolled oats and place them in a separate bowl. Go ahead and add 1/4 cup of water to the rolled oats and place the bowl in the microwave for 15 seconds. This will make the oats soft and warm. Let the oats cool a minute and then combine the oats with the Greek yogurt. YUM

Rolled oats contain a specific type of fiber known as "beta-glucan." This type of fiber has been proven to lower cholesterol levels and helps in preventing heart disease and breast cancer. Oats contain an incredible amount of antioxidants as well as magnesium and selenium, which help your keep your immune system healthy!

Step 3:

Measure out your flaxseed, chia seed, and goji berries (all 1 tbsp each) and add on top of the oats/Greek yogurt mixture.

Flaxseeds help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. They contain omega-3 essential fatty acids (aka the "good fats"), lignans (plant estrogen and higher antioxidant value than any other fruit or veggie), and fiber (aids digestion, lowers cholesterol, maintains blood sugar, healthy weight).

Step 4:

Measure out your 3 strawberries, 1/2 cup blueberries, and 1/2 banana. Add them on top of your bowl.

Strawberries, blueberries, and bananas are so amazing for your body and soul! The list of nutrients goes on and on: B-complex, Manganese, Potassium, Fiber, Vitamin C, Phenols, Vitamin K, and Vitamin B-6 are just SOME of the health benefits of these wonder fruit.

Step 5:

Top off your bowl with 1 tbsp on raw agave nectar...and voilà! You are done. 

Agave nectar is a low-glycemic natural sweetener that is similar to honey. It is derived from the plant that is used in making tequila and can be used to sweeten both food and drink. It is an ideal alternative to sugar and offers health benefits from weight loss to wound healing.