I always laugh at myself come this time of year. The time of year when I go into a flat panic that I am not “summer” ready.

My tan is non-existent and I look more like a translucent desert gecko than a living, breathing human being.

Oh, and of course, the beach “bod” is never where I want it to be.

Winter has been good to me this year… almost too good.

If winter were a philanthropist, it might be first in line for a Nobel Prize or two.

The truth is I am very far from having the quintessential sun kissed, beach body complete with bespoke bikini.

I have however, taken up a new regime in order to get there.

The first step is to be kind and remind myself that there is no such thing as perfection.

The second step is to incorporate exercise into this daily mantra. I have begun taking Pilates 3 times a week.

The third (and perhaps most effective catalyst of this new regime) is trying to eat healthier.

It all comes down to making better choices.

Rather than reaching for a packet of crisps - I reach for some fresh carrots and tasty hummus, which I whip up myself.

I have replaced the oh-so-indulgent milky latte’s with peppermint tea and a slice of lemon and to be honest? I’m enjoying the changes.

Naturally I haven’t mastered them but that’s okay, I can only take one step at a time anyway and the plan is to evolve into a healthier version of myself over time.

It’s more sustainable that way.

So, to all the women out there beating themselves up because they don’t look like a supernova in a two-piece, be kind to yourself.
Health is a journey, not a destination.

Of course any journey begins with a simple step, so get off the couch. Take a walk, go for a swim or get to that yoga class you have been promising yourself you were going to do.

This recipe is part of my healthy changes. Rather than toast and cheese for breakfast I include things like chia pudding. I make it with unsweetened almond milk and protein powder from a local super food brand called Wazoogles. Chia seeds are high in fibre, good for digestion and offer omega 3’s. Give it a whirl and try starting your day with this!

Serves: 2, cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

Chia Pudding:

4 tablespoon chia seeds
1 cup almond milk
2 teaspoon protein powder (I used Wazoogles)
½ teaspoon honey

Acai Smoothie Layer:

1 tablespoon acai powder (optional)
1 cup fresh strawberries
1 ripe banana
1 tablespoons almond butter (I used buttanut)
2 teaspoon unsweetened desiccated coconut
6 fresh mint leaves
¼ cup almond milk

Fruit Layer:

Sliced strawberries and toasted coconut
To Garnish: fresh berries, toasted coconut and mint leaves

Instructions:

Add the chia seeds, almond milk and protein powder into a bowl, mix to combine and set aside for 20 minutes, until the seeds absorb all the liquid. Then add the honey and stir through. If you need to feed them with a little more almond milk do so.

Add the smoothie ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

To assemble the jars add a layer of chia pudding, a layer of sliced strawberries and coconut and top with acai smoothie. Top the jar with fresh blueberries, raspberries and toasted coconut.

You can close the lids of the jar and set aside in the fridge over night or simply eat and enjoy right away!

-Melissa