(Because boxed cereal is basically dessert in disguise)
Let’s talk breakfast. Specifically, the kind that doesn’t come in a glossy box with more sugar than a chocolate bar and a marketing line that says “energy for the day” (but means “crash by 10am”).
If you’ve ever flipped a cereal box to read the ingredients and found yourself muttering “that’s not breakfast…” — you’re not alone.
The fix? Homemade muesli or granola.
It’s cheaper, healthier, ridiculously easy, and you get to choose exactly what goes in.
🥣 Why Make It Yourself?
- Lower in sugar – you control how sweet (or not) it is
- Fewer additives – no oils, gums, or weird flavourings
- Gut-friendly – packed with fibre, seeds, and optional prebiotic boosters
- Customisable – make it gluten-free, nut-free, or high-protein depending on your needs
- Much cheaper than store-bought “health” cereals
🍯 My Base Muesli Recipe (Raw)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup pepitas
- ¼ cup chia or flaxseeds
- ½ cup dried fruit (sultanas, chopped apricots, or dates)
- Optional: shredded coconut, cinnamon, slivered almonds
How to use:
Eat raw with yoghurt and fruit, or soak overnight with milk for a bircher-style breakfast.
🔥 My Favourite Granola (Baked)
This version is lightly toasted, golden and crunchy—perfect for sprinkling over smoothies, stewed fruit, or straight from the jar.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup coconut flakes
- ½ cup mixed seeds (sunflower, pepitas)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
- Add dried fruit after baking
Method:
- Preheat oven to 160°C (fan forced)
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl
- Add oil and sweetener, stir well
- Spread on a lined baking tray
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway
- Let cool completely before adding fruit and storing
Store: in an airtight jar for 2–3 weeks (if it lasts that long!)
👩🍳 Tips & Variations
- Add cacao nibs or dark choc chips (after baking) for a kid-friendly version
- Stir in protein powder or collagen for an added boost
- Use buckwheat groats or puffed millet instead of oats for a gluten-free option
- Make double and freeze half in a ziplock bag for later
Make it from Scratch Mondays
This week’s challenge: Ditch the cereal box and make your own muesli or granola.
It takes 10 minutes and feels like a wellness win every single morning.
🧾 Want more swaps? Download the free Living Pantry Checklist to fill your jars with real food.