Near Noon, 2013
I'm becoming interested in the way my energy shifts throughout the day and trying to figure out how it links to food, exercise, sleep, etc. My goal is to organize a more steady and efficient structure to my days. If you've read any interesting books or articles on these subjects, please share.
I've recently become quite addicted to Müesli, made my own particular way. It powers me through a morning like no other breakfast. My recipe is inspired by Sarah's recipe, and I've just begun adding ginger based on Megan's recipe. It is all very flexible. Play around with it.
My Müesli
Use a wide-mouth 1 pint jar with lid, or something similar, and begin by adding the dry ingredients to the jar.
6 ounces rolled oats
1 tablespoon raisins (I've tried dried pluots too--tasty!)
2 tablespoons chopped nuts (I use walnuts or almonds)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (black, brown, or white)
1 teaspoon roasted pumpkin seeds (sunflower seeds work too)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Add sugar and spices to suit your taste.
1 teaspoon vanilla sugar (I've also used dark brown)
a couple pinches ground ginger (or maybe allspice)
a couple pinches fresh ground cinnamon (anise seed is nice too)
a couple pinches fresh ground nutmeg
a pinch of fleur de sel
Top jar with lid and shake up the dry ingredients.
Open jar again and add milk, leaving about 1 - 1 1/2 inches space at the top of the jar. Shake or stir all ingredients in jar to wet and combine. Leave jar in your refrigerator overnight.
Take your jar out of your refrigerator in the morning and allow some of the chill to leave your jar, about 15-20 minutes.
Eat as-is or dump in a bowl and add fruit (I've tried Sarah's strawberries, and recently 1/2 fresh banana--both were great!) and have excellent energy that lasts until lunchtime.
The body sometimes does what it pleases, my afternoon slump might be something I simply learn to endure, but I'd like to do some investigating. I'd like to believe we have at least a little control over such things. It would be so cool to say goodbye to that drooping part of the day.
Suggestions welcome.
Thanks!
how funny that you should mention this. i'm reading a book called the chemistry of joy, which talks about schedules in terms of ayurveda. you might enjoy taking a peek.
ReplyDeleteexcited to try your muesli recipe.
Just read a little online and like the concept. I requested it from my library. Thanks, Shari.
DeleteYour recipe sounds really good. I'll have to give it a try. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe daily droop? Good question. I just woke up from a couch snooze.
A snooze just might be the best answer, Janis.
DeleteDaily droop - walking helps me. Or some good dance music. Definitely not reading or knitting or sitting in the sun..... (but those feel so good). Movement perks me up again.
ReplyDeleteDance music. Yes. I like that idea, Kate.
DeleteI believe the British invented afternoon tea for the afternoon droop. A small cup taken with a smackerel of something works for me. Sensible between meal snacks help to keep the blood sugar steady.
ReplyDeleteTea would certainly help, but I don't want to add afternoon caffeine to my day. I'm fine with sensible snacks. I'd like to determine those snacks that offer the most energy and health benefits.
DeleteI have to stay away from certain foods to avoid the afternoon slump or droop...
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I keep thinking of what to add, but perhaps staying away from certain things would be beneficial.
DeleteSome days are worst than others. I find that more often than not some fresh air (a walk, a run) and a glass of cold water really helps me. Vitamin C also is a nice booster. I am trying to avoid coffee (noticing it gives me headaches), but I like the ritual of afternoon tea. For breakfast, I find that a smoothie gives great energy. I must give your muesli a try... (Re: books, take a look at this satire: "The Daily Routines of Great Men, OR Chesterfield's Principles of Success")
ReplyDeleteI like the walk idea, and water. Thanks, Amelia.
DeleteMusic works best against the daily drop-at least for me.
ReplyDeleteOr some comfort food like your delicious muesli :)
Ah, another music suggestion. I like this idea. Thanks, Daniela.
DeleteOh the dreaded droop. I think food does make a difference and my body reacts best to breakfasts that include egg, rye bread, smoked salmon, avocado etc. My beloved swedish cinnamon buns are usually relegated to weekends. Your soaked muesli sounds lovely and I'm also going to have to try a bit of mid-afternoon dancing...
ReplyDeleteYour breakfast is just my style, Kate. I need some good rye bread. And yes, dancing. I should set an alarm for it this afternoon.
ReplyDeletejust peeking in over here to say hello. i too wonder how food/ exercise/ scheduling could better align my energy. but maybe just getting the little one to sleep all night every night would do the trick! hi.
ReplyDeleteHi Katrina. Maybe just getting my husband to minimize late night/wee hours blanket theft would do the trick for me.
DeleteI like the sound of your muesli - there is something quite satisfying about preparing it the night before as one does with a bircher muesli. I find that a handful of blueberries, and a slice of sprouted bread (Ezekiel Genesis is my favourite) slathered with avocado is a good start. And as for the dreaded slump - mid-morning snacks (nuts and fruit), and being mindful of, and responding to, my hunger pangs helps starve off the slump. Oh and lots and lots of water.
ReplyDeleteAfter I read your comment this morning I went out and bought an avocado. I just did a little online poking around and it looks like my little grocery sells your bread! I'll give it a try. Thanks, Annie.
DeleteA 3:30pm walk in the sun + a cup of mint tea today was a very effective combination.
ReplyDelete