Balancing your blood sugar levels throughout the day is very important. When our blood sugar levels are stabilised our body burns fat and stores lean muscle. When we skip breakfast our blood sugar levels dip causing the body to use muscle as fuel, rather than fat, which can result in energy crashes, increased cravings, poor concentration and moodiness. The more balanced your blood sugar levels the more fat you are going to burn throughout the day.

For these reasons, eating breakfast is key - think of it as setting yourself up for the day. You would be surprised how easy it is to make good nutritional food choices throughout the day when you start with one.

This coconut rice pudding is the perfect breakfast to start the day right and balance your blood sugar levels first thing. If you're time poor in the mornings (as most of us are), simply make the rice the night before and keep it in the fridge in a sealed airtight container so you have more down-time in the morning. The brown basmati rice provides a slow release carbohydrate that will help keep you fuller for longer promoting balanced blood sugar levels right through ’til lunch. Cinnamon is also a nifty therapeutic spice capable of lowering insulin levels and reducing cholesterol, making this combination of ingredients a win-win.

Blood Sugar Balancing Coconut Rice Pudding
Serves 2

Ingredients

1/4 cup brown basmati rice
1 can organic coconut milk
4 tablespoons coconut yogurt (plus extra for topping)
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

Toppings (use what is seasonally available to you)

Pumpkin seeds
Figs
Raspberries
Cacao nibs
Crystallised ginger

Method

In a saucepan combine coconut milk, rice and cinnamon.

Bring to the boil and turn heat down to low. Simmer for approximately 30 minutes. The rice should be soft and sticky when ready, with no liquid left in the pan.

Let the rice cool slightly. Combine coconut yogurt with rice and mix until nice and creamy.

Get creative and plate up with your favourite toppings. Add a dollop of extra coconut yogurt, and enjoy warm or cold.

Chloe Wilkinson is a practicing clinical naturopath at The Good Health Co.