Ultimate Christmas guide + FREE RECIPE

‘Tis the season to be jolly’!

A time often filled with indulging in kai that evokes nostalgia, whānau traditions and full stomachs! Check out our latest, festive inspired, Granola ~recipe below~

As you may know, we often refer to the ‘Bluezone’ way of being. We have put together some of the Bluezoner principles that could be incorporated into your day-to-day this festive season that puts your wellbeing at the forefront without compromising the celebrations…because we know balance is important. 

Downshift

A busy time for many people as we juggle celebrations, family and normally having to tackle the shops - It is important to integrate downshifting (stress management) during this time!  Whether it is taking a nap, taking time to stand on the grass in your bare feet, going for a swim at the beach or simply focusing on your breathing. Think about ways that you can incorporate downshifting into your every day, so stress management becomes a normal part of your life.

Plant slant 

Prioritise plants when and wherever you can! Summer in NZ means that there is an abundance of seasonal fruit and vegetables. Keep your gut full, healthy and happy with a variety of colourful plant foods. You can do this by simply adding an extra vegetable to your salads, adding more colour to your plate, adding vege sticks to your summer platter or topping up that fruit bowl over the holidays! 

Wine at 5

Enjoy a couple of drinks here and there with friends and/or with food. It is the festive season after all and it's important to celebrate and relax. Social connection is part of health and wellbeing, but it doesn't have to be over an alcoholic drink or course, sharing a cup of coffee or a zero percent drink works just as well.

Right Tribe

Make time for social connectedness with your ‘right tribe’ and loved ones this holiday. Whether it is a phone call, sharing a meal together or creating memories in your favourite spot,  hanging out with people that make your heart smile is super important in life.

GINGERBREAD & COCONUT GRANOLA 

Satisfy your taste buds with our festive inspired gingerbread summer granola. Featuring the aromatic ginger and cinnamon spices to match the traditional gingerbread flavours and pair with your favourite in season fruit and yoghurt for an all round breakfast. 

2 CUPS ROLLED OATS

1/2 CUP SLIVERED ALMONDS

1/2 CUP  ROUGHLY CHOPPED WALNUTS

1/2 CUP ROUGHLY CHOPPED PECANS

2 Tbsp desiccated coconut 

1 Tbsp GROUND GINGER

2 tsp GROUND CINNAMON

1/4 CUP PURE MAPLE SYRUP

1/4 CUP GRAPESEED OIL

1 tsp VANILLA EXTRACT

Preheat oven to 160°C on fan bake. Line a baking tray with banking paper. 

In a large bowl place the oats, almonds, walnuts, pecans, desiccated coconut,  ginger and cinnamon and mix to combine.

Place maple syrup, oil and vanilla in a jug and mix to combine. Pour the maple mixture into the oats mixture and gently mix to combine.

Spread mixture evenly on a baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes. Stir the mixture and bake for a further 15 minutes or until the granola is golden and crunchy. Watch it does not burn. Allow to cool on the trays. 

We added a sneaky drizzle of honey at the end too !