All tagged Blue Zone

Blueberry Muesli Bowl

Soaked oats are made more fun and delicious by making a blueberry almond milk with fresh summer blueberries!  A colorful bowl of oats, coconut, and fresh and dried fruit, this Blueberry Muesli Bowl will keep you energized for hours.  Using quick cooking oats allows the muesli bowl to be ready within 30 minutes, without needing an overnight soak to “cook” the oats.

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

½ cup almond milk

½ cup fresh blueberries

½ cup quick cooking oats

1 teaspoon chia seeds

Toppings: Blueberries, dried mulberries, unsweetened desiccated coconut, goji berries

How (your directions):

To create the blueberry almond milk, add almond milk and blueberries to a high-speed blender, and blend for 30 seconds.

To a cereal bowl, add quick cooking oats and chia seeds.  Pour blueberry almond milk over oats and chia seeds.  Stir to combine, then allow to sit for at least 30 minutes.  Tip: You can refrigerate this blueberry muesli if you like your oats cold or if preparing overnight.

Top with blueberries, dried mulberries, unsweetened desiccated coconut, goji berries, or YOUR favorite toppings.  Sliced strawberries, slivered almonds, and mint would be delicious!

Why (the science):  Blueberries contain polyphenols, compounds which are known to boost brain health and prevent cognitive decline!

Breakfast Butternut Squash Bowl |+Video|

Breakfast for dinner is one of life’s simplest pleasures, am I right?  This Breakfast Butternut Squash Bowl is full of protein and fiber to keep you full.  But more importantly, it’s packed with anti-inflammatory foods to combat disease caused by stress.  Now that’s a delicious bowl of food!

Serves: 4

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 60 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 butternut squash,

5 eggs

1 ½ cups rice, cooked (rice pictured is yellow because cooked with turmeric!)

1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed

1 avocado

Hot sauce (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 400°F. 

Using a sharp knife, create slits in butternut squash before roasting. 

Place butternut squash onto a lined baking sheet, then roast in oven for 60 minutes.

Remove squash from oven and allow to cool while for 5 minutes.  Slice butternut squash in half, and remove seeds and strings from center.

Scramble eggs over medium-low heat until soft curds form.

Then assemble your bowls!

Spoon rice, black beans, and squash into each bowl.  Top with scrambled eggs and a few slices of avocado.

Season with hot sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.

Why (the science):  Known as the “3 Sisters” of Mesoamerican agriculture, rice, beans, and squash are staple everyday foods of Nicoya, Costa Rica- a Blue Zone with one of the longest living and healthiest communities in the world!