My Favorite Breakfast Fruit Bowl

(As a heads up- this post is discusses diet culture (which I am not a fan of) and may not be for everyone. If you are not in a space where you can read this, it is ok!)

I’m not a dieter. I’ve been there, done that, and I’m still trying to mentally heal after the damage I’ve done to myself by restricting what I’m “allowed” to eat to a short list. Counting calories, working out for the sake of burning said calories, and feeling discouraged for not making any progress and, if anything, seeing the numbers go the “wrong” direction. The cycle was always the same. And it made me deeply sad and disappointed in myself. Not only that, dieting stole my joy.

About 3 1/2 years ago, I tossed out my scale, started moving my body in ways that made me feel great, and ate what made me feel great. The main goal? To be healthy and strong, mentally and physically.

Why am I writing about this almost a week after one of the worst days in American history? Why is this relevant after a group of insurrectionists…white supremicists…stormed the Capitol? Because if I’ve learned anything during these “pandemical times” (my favorite way to describe the past 10 months a la Emily P. Freeman) it is the impact our wellness has on our ability to process the constant stream of huge world and national events that seem to be coming our way. It can be tempting to numb all the emotion with food/drink/distraction, but when it comes right down to it, that doesn’t get us anywhere. Instead, we are foggy brained, tongue tied, or simply silent. None of these things are helpful, are they?

For the last week and a half, we have been eating a lot of veggies, fruit, healthy protein, and leaving out sugar, dairy, grains, legumes, and alcohol. We are truly doing this in an intuitive way, sticking to what makes us feel our best but also evaluating what we need more or less of by listening to our bodies. Eating this way has cleared up my head in a way that allows me to sit down and write my thoughts out on paper. It also helps me recognize what I need (and what I don’t need) as I move through my day. Sometimes I need a nap (that was Saturday). Other times an intense workout is in order (yesterday morning). And then there are most days when I just need to write and talk and brainstorm how to insist on justice and look ahead to eventual healing as a country. In between times, I take photos of life at home during distance learning, finish my to-do list, drink lots of water and tea, and listen to good music.

OK- now that I have all of that out of my system, here is a little bit about this Breakfast Fruit Bowl that I’ve been loving lately:

• Combination of any fruit you like. My favorite combo is banana, berries of some kind, and apples.

• Top with unsweetened almond butter, coconut flakes, and chia seeds. Cashews, walnuts, and cashews are all lovely additions to make it a little more filling if that’s what you need.

• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt doesn’t hurt.

I’m a big fan of eggs, but there are some days when I just want something a little lighter and sweeter and special. Typically, this is the only fruit I have for the entire day and it absolutely hits the spot!

Moral of this post: You can’t pour from an empty cup and that is especially true in pandemical times/political turmoil/mid-winter. We can (and should) do hard things, my dears!

Brown Butter Vanilla Waffles

The 6 year old wasn’t feeling so good this morning. He slept very late and I let him because one day he won’t be able to just sleep in when he’s under the weather. But when you’re 6? That’s definitely allowed. After a slow start to the day and getting little brother to school, the 6 year old and I decided waffles were in order! Don’t tell anyone, but I love waffles WAY more than pancakes. No contest. Unless the pancakes are from Snooze in which case I want them all. Maybe it has something to do with how the syrup pools in the little squares. Or how the outside gets so nice and crispy. Or how you can break them into tidy little triangles. Whatever it is, I am here. for. it.

Disclaimer: These waffles are not “health food”. They have half a stick of butter in them and I’m not sorry because if you’re going to eat waffles you might as well do it right. Are you with me? They don’t have a ton of sugar and I did use a bit of whole wheat flour, but mostly for flavor so don’t get too excited. Or get REALLY excited because you’re gonna love these forever and ever amen.

OK- no more delaying. On to this perfect waffle recipe! Make them for your family. Make them for friends. Make them for houseguests and don’t forget the coffee! Also, they freeze beautifully so don’t be afraid to double the recipe and freeze what you don’t eat. Just pop them in the toaster and you’re golden!

Brown Butter Vanilla Waffles

• 1 cup all purpose flour

• 1/3 cup whole wheat flour

• 4 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 eggs, beaten well

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1 3/4 cups milk

1. Begin by browning the butter. Add it to a saucepan over medium heat. The butter will melt, then start to sputter and foam, then it will all settle down and the milk particles will start to turn golden brown and a nutty aroma will fill your kitchen. Keep an eye on the butter through this process so it doesn’t burn! Stir occasionally, being sure to scrape the bottom of the pan. Transfer to a heatproof liquid measuring cup and set aside.

2. Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Set aside.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk and vanilla. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Pour in the browned butter and stir until incorporated.

4. Preheat a waffle iron. They’re all different. I set mine to a medium temperature, but you do you Boo Boo!

5. Pour about 1/3 cup of the batter in the center of the waffle iron. Keep the waffles warm in a 200 degree oven until ready to eat. Serve with more butter (because #yolo) and syrup. And coffee. Lots of coffee. Enjoy!