This post is part of my ongoing Restricted Diet Recipe Series with Free People blog BLDG 25

I have found myself forced to get creative with my food, once again… being that I am currently in the middle of this elimination diet under the guidance of my naturopathic doctor to treat a recently diagnosed autoimmune condition. I am looking at meals in new ways, finding inspiration in unsuspecting places and generally seeking that silver lining during a difficult time.

I have to admit that breakfast has been one of my most challenging meals of the day. In the winter months, I am not very interested in cold smoothies or juices to start my day and I generally find myself wanting something heartier, yet still easy to make. Most days I would start with some fresh greens or broccoli sautéed and topped with a poached or over medium egg, maybe some sweet potatoes or squash. Since eggs are currently cut out of my diet right now and I tend to avoid overly carb-loaded breakfasts of cereal or breads, I have been feeling a tad uninspired. Until now.

This Cacao & Hemp Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is a fun and unique version of your standard run of the mill oatmeal or porridge. Plus it is loaded with nutritional goodness from some really great superfoods. Both the quinoa and hemp are both great sources of plant based protein, in fact both hemp and quinoa are considered to be complete protein, containing all of the essential amino acids that we need. Quinoa and hemp are also both nutrient rich, loaded with minerals and antioxidants and so much more. Plus hemp is also a great source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids. On top of all of this goodness, adding cacao boosts the nutritional and superfood status of this breakfast and of course, you can never ever go wrong with chocolate for breakfast. Finally, have fun with your toppings and add what you love most.

The best part of this recipe is the leftover Cacao Hemp Milk you’ll have. It’s great in smoothies, lattes or just for drinking, as is.

This recipe was originally shared on the Free People Blog BLDG25!

[print_this]Cacao & Hemp Quinoa Breakfast Bowl {Gluten-Free & Vegan}

Cacao Hemp Milk
Makes approximately 1 quart

• 4 cups filtered water
• 1 cup hemp seeds
• 1/4 cup raw cacao
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 Medjool dates (you can also use whatever sweetener you prefer, as much or as little as you’d like)

Place all of the ingredients in your high-speed blender. Blend on a high speed until smooth and creamy. Strain using a nut milk bag or consume unstrained for the full nutritional benefits of the hemp seeds. Store in a tightly sealed glass jar for 3 to 5 days.

Cacao & Hemp Quinoa Breakfast Bowl {Gluten-Free & Vegan}
Serves 1

• 3/4-1 cup cooked quinoa, warm
• 1 cup cacao hemp milk (above), or other non-dairy milk of your choice
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1 tablespoon dried superfood berries (goji, acai, mulberries, etc)
• 1 teaspoon cocoa nibs
• 1 teaspoon hemp seeds

Optional Sweetener: 

honey, maple syrup, coconut nectar, coconut sugar, brown sugar, etc

Optional Add-ins:

• Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, etc
• Your favorite fresh or dried fruit
• Toasted nuts or seeds
• Toasted coconut chips or shredded coconut

Add the warm quinoa to a serving bowl, pour the cacao hemp milk over top. Top with fruit, cacao nibs, hemp seeds and any other toppings you’d like. Give it a taste and drizzle a little sweetener over top if you’d like it a little sweeter.

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