Most of us are already incorporating foods into our diet to keep our immune system running at 100%. Here’s some of our favourite kick in the pants breakfasts to give your body a much-needed boost.

CHIA SEED BERRY YOGHURT SMOOTHIE

Looking for a healthy way to start the day? Enjoy this protein-packed take on the classic berry banana smoothie. Add chia seeds for fibre and antioxidants, and Greek yoghurt for extra protein. Throw in a tonne of fruit. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, orange juice, and banana combine with honey to naturally sweeten this smoothie.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1 cup orange juice

1/2 cup fresh strawberries

1/2 cup fresh blueberries

1/2 cup fresh raspberries

1/2 cup fresh blackberries

1 large banana, cut into quarters

2 tablespoons honey

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

2 cups plain Greek yogurt

Instructions

Combine chia seeds and orange juice, mix well and refrigerate.

Add remaining ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth. Remove chia seeds from the fridge (the seed should have absorbed the liquid and will be gel-like). Add the mix to the blender and blend until well combined.

Serve and enjoy!

BLUEBERRY CHIA BOWL WITH WARM BANANA

Chia pudding is delicious, but when you top it with warm banana its delicious. Packed with antioxidants, this bowl is loaded with every kind of vitamin and nutrient you need to keep your immune system happy and healthy.

You can make this both as breakfast and dessert. Skipping the chocolate for breakfast and keeping it a little sweeter for dessert.

If you want to make this as a breakfast, you can stir in some oats and some extra liquid and leave it in the fridge overnight (add the topping in the morning).

Ingredients

70 g / 1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries, thawed (or other berries)

1 cup plant milk (or regular milk)

3 tbsp chia seeds

1 tsp freshly ground cardamom

A tiny pinch salt

Topping

1 banana, peeled and sliced lengthwise

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp freshly grated ginger

2 tbsp sunflower seeds

2 tbsp sesame seeds

1 small handful walnuts, lightly crushed

4 tbsp Greek yoghurt

2 tbsp nut butter or tahini

30 g / 1 oz dark chocolate

Instructions

Mash the blueberries with a fork. Add milk, chia seeds, cardamom and salt and whisk until combined. Let sit for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice midway through. Meanwhile prepare the topping. Heat coconut oil and maple syrup in a pan and grate in some fresh ginger. Stir in the seeds and walnuts and let sit for just a minute. Make room in the centre of the pan and place the banana slices there. Heat for just a minute on each side.

Pour the chia pudding into one large or two smaller bowls. Add yogurt to the bowl and arrange the bananas in the middle. Drizzle the sesame brittle over the bananas, add a drizzle of nut butter and sprinkle over chocolate.

IMMUNE BOOSTER ORANGE SMOOTHIE

A quick and easy way to pack a lot of nutrients into a meal is by turning it into a smoothie. We all know oranges are loaded with vitamin C, but did you know sweet potatoes are, too? Add in a few other ingredients, dash of cinnamon and you’ve a delicious, immunity-boosting drink!

Ingredients

1 cup loosely packed sweet potato puree

1 medium ripe banana

1 Tbsp almond butter (optional)

1/4 tsp each ground turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger (if using fresh ginger, use 1 tsp chopped per 1/4 tsp dried)

1/2 Tbsp chia seeds

3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/4 cup orange juice (optional)

1 large handful ice

Instructions

Bake your sweet potato, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C) and split in half lengthwise. Lightly oil and place face down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake until soft - 25-30 minutes. Or you can steam until tender. Let cool slightly before adding to blender.

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasonings/sweetness as needed. Add more banana or orange for added sweetness, and more ice to thicken. Garnish with extra cinnamon.

Stay Safe, Keep Well, Stay at Home.

Immune Boosting Breakfasts