Mairlyn Smith

Place large cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat. Add rolled oats and almonds, and toast, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove to bowl and replace pan back over medium-low heat. Add coconut oil and maple syrup to pan and cook until bubbly, about 30 seconds to a minute. Stir in reserved toasted oats and almonds, chia seeds, hemp hearts, flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt.

With all the buzz surrounding the health benefits of nuts, it’s easy to overlook their undersized counterparts. Seeds are proof that Mother Nature works in exceptional ways. Of the bearers of life from the ground up, seeds contain all the makings for an entire plant. And don’t let their diminutive size fool you: seeds have a big nutritional impact. Most edible seeds contain a powerful blend of healthy fats, plant-based protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

It’s a new year, and rather than dread facing it with a checklist of changes and resolutions, there are a couple of things you can do without a lot of stress-driven determination. This month, our focus is on digestion and protecting and enhancing our immune systems. We’re resetting our bodies to avoid the typical seasonal flus, colds, and other illnesses that can potentially shut us down in the winter.