Another Morning Ritual: My Probiotic Breakfast Bowl

There’s something comforting about slow mornings. No rush, no emails - just the stillness of the kitchen and a few mindful minutes to start the day. Most of my favourite recipes weren’t planned - this one began with a craving for something creamy and fresh: kefir, mild yoghurt, a few soft berries and a sprinkle of toasted nuts, the perfect probiotic breakfast bowl.

It’s the kind of breakfast that doesn’t try too hard but delivers exactly what I need - flavour, texture and a sense of ease. The cool creaminess of the yoghurt-kefir base is softly spiced with vanilla and cardamom, while the toppings change with the seasons. Sometimes it’s raspberries and almonds; other times, I’ll reach for frozen blueberries and crushed hazelnuts. Whatever the combination, it always leaves me feeling balanced and clear-headed, something I’ve come to deeply appreciate.

But what makes this bowl truly special is what you can’t see: the living cultures from the kefir and yoghurt that work behind the scenes, supporting digestion, immunity and even your mood. Probiotic-rich foods like these have become an anchor in my kitchen, real food with real benefits, no overthinking.

Gut Health

We talk about gut health a lot these days - and for good reason. A healthy gut is linked to digestion, immune strength, energy levels and even mental health (remeber the gut-brain axis!). It all starts with a thriving microbiome: the community of beneficial bacteria living in your digestive tract. Yoghurt and kefir are rich in these living cultures. While yogurt is thick and mild, kefir is thinner, and contains a wider range of bacterial strains and beneficial yeasts. Combining both gives your digestive system a natural, diverse probiotic boost.

What’s Inside This Probiotic Breakfast Bowl

Every ingredient in this bowl has a role to play, not just in flavor, but also in function.

• Yogurt & Kefir: Rich in calcium, B vitamins, protein and probiotics. They help support bone health, immunity and digestion.

• Vanilla & Cardamom: Vanilla adds warmth and depth, while cardamom provides gentle spice and supports digestion with its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Berries: Fresh or frozen, they’re loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, great for immunity and skin health.

• Nuts: A handful of chopped walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds adds healthy fats, some crunch and long-lasting energy.

• Optional sweetener: A drizzle of maple syrup or honey can round out the tartness, though I enjoy it as is.

How to Make It More Sustainable

Eating in a way that supports both your body and the planet doesn’t have to be complicated. This breakfast bowl is already a great start and with a few small things to think about, it can become more sustainable, too.

• Choose yoghurt and kefir in glass jars whenever possible. Many organic brands offer their dairy products in reusable or recyclable glass packaging, which helps reduce plastic waste. You could also try making your own kefir at home, it's surprisingly simple.

• Use seasonal and regional fruit. When berries are in season, they’re not only fresher and more flavourful, but also have a smaller carbon footprint. Outside of berry season, I like to use frozen berries (ideally from a local source) or switch to regional fruit like grated apple or sliced pear. They add natural sweetness and keep the bowl interesting all year round.

• Buy nuts and seeds in bulk to avoid unnecessary packaging. Many health food shops and zero-waste stores let you fill your own containers, plus, it’s often more affordable.

Sustainability doesn’t have to mean perfection. It’s about making thoughtful choices where you can, staying flexible and finding joy in the ingredients that are available to you.

The Recipe

Here’s how I make it most mornings:

Ingredients (for one bowl)

• 100-130g plain unsweetened yoghurt

• 100-120g plain kefir

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom

• 70–100g fresh or frozen berries

• 15–20g chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts...)

• Optional: 1 tsp maple syrup or honey

Instructions

1. Stir yoghurt, kefir, vanilla and cardamom together in your favourite bowl.

2. Add the berries and sprinkle over the chopped nuts.

3. Drizzle with a touch of sweetener if you'd like.

4. Eat slowly. Let it be more than just food.

With love, Marieke