Muesli was created by Dr. Maximilian Bircher-Benner, a Swiss German doctor who urged his patients to live healthily by keeping active with daily activities, such as gardening, and nutrition. He wanted to create the perfect nutrition-dense meal for his patients, so he concocted what we know today as "muesli!" Muesli is a cereal usually made from uncooked oats, nuts, and dried fruits. Sugar and/or sweeteners can be added, but sparingly. You can make your own, but Trader Joe's and other markets sell packaged muesli, as well. It took me a while to find just the right flavor combinations, but I finally found the
right mix:
Kristina's Muesli
1/2 cup organic multigrain oats
3/4 - 1/2 cup water
1 tsp ground flaxseed
1 tsp raw wheat germ
1 tsp 100% natural maple syrup
small handful raw walnuts
small handful raw almonds
dried cranberries (to your liking)
raisins (to your liking)
1. Heat the water to the point that it is very hot, but not boiling. You don't really want to "cook" the oats. Then add a small amount into the oats and stir. Keep adding until the oats are just moist throughout.
2. Add the flaxseed, wheat germ, and maple syrup. Mix together.
3. On top, add your nuts and dried fruits, and you're ready to go!
The great thing about muesli is that if you don't eat it all, you can put it in a jar and refrigerate it. Then the flavors marry and it's just as good, if not better!
Did you know...? : Flaxseed is filled with Omega-3s and lignans (a phytoestrogen that may work as an antioxidant). Flaxseed is also great for digestion, with it's high fiber content; however, it must be consumed ground. Otherwise, flaxseed usually passes through the intenstines undigested, which ultimately means you would not recieve any of the health benefits.
