I survived week one of my month-long elimination diet and am midway through week two. No more headaches, hunger pains or edginess. I still get hankerings for a big cup of coffee some mornings, but the green tea gets the job done. The key to sticking with the program has been keeping the pantry and fridge stocked with plenty of the right foods and finding ways to transform them into satisfying meals. I’ve had THE BEST time getting back into the kitchen, exploring new ingredients and trying all the recipes I’ve been pinning and saving for a rainy day. The surprise hit has been this Protein Packed Energy Breakfast mix from one of my favorite new blogs, Pure Mamas. It’s grain-free, gluten-free and packed with Omega 3s.

It also looks like bird seed.

That’s the chia seeds (of the chia pet variety), hemp seeds, and buckwheat groats, which lend a nice, nutty crunch. I’ve been loathe to succumb to the chia trend because everything they touch becomes gelatinous, but this combo keeps the cereal pleasantly porridge-like. I make mine with soy milk for a hit of extra protein and top with dried or fresh fruit. I’ve also experimented with warming on the stovetop and loved it all the more, especially on a chilly morning. Whip up a big batch and store in a Mason jar and you’ll never look at Malt-o-Meal the same way again! Here’s the recipe.

p.s. For more about the benefits of chia seeds, check out this New York Times article.

Filed Under: buckwheat groats, chia seed, detox, elimination diet, glulten free, hemp seed, pure mamas