Superfood Breakfast

My breakfast this morning: Chia Seed Pudding (Coconut milk + cinnamon + chia seeds) with organic strawberries and a handful of crunchy walnuts. Along with frothy coffee of course. In my Cali mug.


Looks like the actual pudding is invisible in this pic due to the mass amount of lusciously red strawberries I topped it with. Maybe you can see better here...



There they are. Chia seeds are tiny little things (actually in the mint family) that absorb liquid to expand to about 10 times their original size. Their ability to hold so much water aids in keeping your body hydrated. When they absorb liquid, they resemble mini tapioca pearls and give the liquid a gelatinous consistency, like pudding. They are rich in Omega-3's, antioxidants, and amino acids, and are known as an energizing superfood.

Nutritious and delicious. Now off to work! My brain feels nice and nourished.

Portland

Portland is home to a wonderful plethora of trendy restaurants, new ones sprouting up all the time on every corner. Best of all, most of the restaurants are fresh and healthy! Last year was my first trip to ¿Por Qué No?, an awesome taqueria literally down the block from my aunt's house. My Aunt Patty and I each ordered a fresh squeezed pomegranate margarita to start off the meal, pictured above. When we went this summer, their special margarita of the week was Coconut Melon.

Pambiche Cuban Restaurant is another new favorite for me. Colorful, fun, exciting atmosphere and awesome, lively Cuban music. We started the day off with a bang by going here for breakfast.


Karena's and my Café Mocha at Pambiche. Divine.

And this was my Tortilla de Platano (Cuban omelette with plantains):


Love it! Can't wait for my next trip to P-town.

And now I leave you with a beautiful picture of local cherries (so shiny!) and sensational apricots from the Portland Farmers Market...

And also a picture from my trip with my wonderful sister Laura, taken by Patty, the photographer who always finds the light...

Until next summer, Portland!