Yummy Smoothie, Chia pudding & Overnight Oats Jar

It may seem like making a healthy, quick (and maybe even visually stimulating) breakfast is a difficult or time consuming task, but honestly that is not the case at all! Its actually easier than you might think.I'll show you how to make this delicious breakfast jar of nutritional goodness in no time. This layered breakfast jar has a layer of overnight oats, chia seed pudding and yummy berry smoothie. To add deliciousness and extra nutrition it is topped with fresh fruits, raw cacao nibs and desiccated coconut! No cooking required here which is awesome.

Ingredients

• ½ cup almond milk (for oats)
• 1 cup almond milk (for chia pudding)
• 1 cup almond milk (for smoothie)
• 1 banana
• vanilla extract
  
• 3 table spoons of chia seeds
• ½ cup raw rolled oats
• ½ cup fresh raspberries
• 3 strawberries
• 1 kiwifruit
• extra fruit for topping (e.g blackberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• raw cacao nibs (optional)
• desiccated coconut (optional)
• a dollop or two of organic yogurt (or vegan coyo yoghurt)

Method:

Mix one cup of almond milk with 3 tablespoons of chia seeds in a small bowl. Add vanilla extract to taste (about 1 teaspoon for me) and a little yogurt or coyo if you like a thicker pudding. Cover and place in your fridge. Next mix half a cup of almond milk with your rolled oats. Again add your vanilla as desired (you can add sweetener if you feel the need), cover and place in the fridge. Leave both overnight to set.

In the morning place your banana, raspberries, almond milk, two of your strawberries and a dash of vanilla into your blender. If using, also add your yogurt or vegan coyo! Blend together. Get your fruit ready, peel your kiwifruit and slice your strawberry.
Fetch your oats and chia pudding from the fridge. Pour your oats at the bottom of your jar or bowl (whatever you like) and then your chia seed pudding. Layer your kiwi and strawberry slices along the edges of your jar/ bowl. Pour in your fresh berry smoothie. Now the easiest part, add your toppings!
Just add whatever berries or other fruits you like on top. Sprinkle on your cacao nibs and coconut and you're done!
Now you are ready to devour your beautiful, healthy breakfast jar! Don't be afraid to play around with ingredients, there is so much you can do. Try exotic fruits, nuts, cocoa oats... whatever you want, just have fun. Hope you try this out sometime, its reeeally good.

Strawberry & Mint Infused Water

We all know water is very important, and it is something we really should be drinking frequently instead of toxifying caffeine and sugar filled beverages. I have heard many people complain that water is too "plain" and flavourless, or even that they don't like the taste outright.  This is terrible to hear but I hope I can persuade some of you to change your ways.

Human beings really must have water in their diet. It filters out toxins and free radicals that can lead to many illnesses. We need it for so many health reasons including skin health, avoiding water retention & bloating, maintaining proper organ function and hydration and oxygenation of our blood. A good way to motivate yourself into increasing your H2O intake is to make a fruit and/or herb infusion that will be both beneficial and deliciously refreshing - I promise!

Ingredients:

• strawberries, sliced into halves
• fresh mint leaves
• honeydew melon, cubed
• blackcurrants
• ice cubes
• cold water, preferably filtered

Method:

This is going to be so simple, you'll wonder why you never tried it before!
Firstly get out your fruits and fresh mint sprigs, wash and prepare them for use. Now get your desired jar or pitcher and place your fruits inside. You can layer them or just plop them inside, your choice. Then get out a wooden spoon (or whatever utensil you have) to reach inside the jar/pitcher and give your fruits and mint a little mash. This will cause them to release more juices and minerals into your water.

We're almost done already! Pour in some ice cubes over your fruits and mint leaves. And finally pour in your cold water. Hooray! All done, now all you need to do is put on your lid (for your jars) and leave it to chill in your refrigerator. Leave your water for a minimum of 6 hours (preferably leave overnight) so the fruits can infuse which is what we are going for here. They will release all their wonderful flavours along with their nutrients and minerals.
This is very refreshing and definately a better alternative to fizzy drinks and concentrated juices. You can mix up whatever fruits, herbs etc you like. There are so many combinations to make for both nutritional benefits and taste. I hope you enjoy your water a little bit better from now on.