The Breakfast Table

Like my Dad, I enjoy a still morning, free of music and busy conversation; at least until my herbal tea is brewed, or in his case black coffee. I miss sharing the breakfast table with my Dad. He always interrupts his next bite of Kashi cereal to pass me the Arts & Life section and never fails to ask "Morning, Jessy. How'd you sleep?".

Last week I shared my thoughts on mindful eating, operation "stop and eat", and what it means to be present for every meal, every bite. This prompted me to reflect on the experience and simple joys round' the breakfast table.

While the classic motto of "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" is still very much true, it's also been drilled to death. And you're all too smart for me to reiterate the basics. To me, breakfast is more than a healthy bowl of oats. It's a sacred time, between scheduled appointments and rush hour hustle. It's a time to cultivate a wholesome meal to create your perfect morning, followed by a perfect day. It's possible, believe me.

Over the years my breaky choices have evolved from just cereal to protein-rich oatmeal and alkalizing smoothies, or sometimes both aka the 'smoothie bowl'. These breakfasts are energizing, wholesome, and utterly delicious.

Whenever I'm home, my Dad and I still share the same routine, quiet munching and newspaper flipping. I'm often in my oversized PJS, while he sports a crisp shirt and tie. Sometimes we chitchat, sometimes we don't. It doesn't matter, for there is a common understanding round' our breakfast table. I cherish these simple joys, even with new morning company. Although the experience is different, void of family dynamic and Starbucks coffee beans, it still consists of nourishing meals and morning stillness.

Wholesome food combined with a habitual and enjoyable experience? Why, good morning!

Good Morning Green-Doughy Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup oats
• 2 tbsp raw buckwheat groats
• 1/2 cup almond milk + 3 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp chia seeds
• 2 tsp cinnamon 
• 2 tsp almond butter
• 1 banana, cut in half
• 1 tbsp raw cacao nibs
• 1 scoop Vega Smoothie Infusion (obsessed and wish I could buy in Australia!)
• 1 handful spinach or tsp of wheatgrass (easy way to sneak in your greens ;)

Method: In a medium size bowl, mix your oats, buckwheat, chia seeds, cinnamon, almond milk/water and soak overnight. Upon rising, blend just over half of your mixture with 1/2 banana, protein, spinach, almond butter, and a little more almond milk (as you would to make a smoothie). Mix together and top with raw cacao nibs, buckwheat groats, and sliced banana. Thick, creamy, delicious. 

While my Dad would call this "green sludge", I call it genius. 

Dad & Me, Circa 2009

What's your experience around the breakfast table?