Watch the video above to see what I did on my “Productive Lazy Day” and scroll down to see the easy Granola recipe as well as the Chickpeas & Tomatoes in a Rice Cooker Meal!

I recently decided to have a “Productive Lazy Day”. Yes, a bit of an oxymoron but also something that I’d like to make a regular part of my life. There’s something to be said about getting things done in a mindful and relaxed sort of way. I feel that this is something I sincerely lack.

As mentioned in the video above, I’m always trying to get things done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Which sounds great but often I find myself stressed out and constantly running from one place to the next and always on a time crunch. When I cook, I’m always trying to find the quickest recipe possible which I have no problem with, but sometimes, some slow and intentional but easy cooking is the way forward.

The problem with this sort of constant desire for speed and efficiency is that it gets tiring after a while and then I feel as though I need an entire day to just sit in front of the couch and eat ketchup chips. Yup, you heard me right. WHY does it have to be one or the other? I decided that I’m going to combine being lazy with being productive and this is why I came up with the concept of the “Productive Lazy Day” – getting things done in a relaxed manner without stressing and being worried about the time and also incorporating some important self-care elements into the day as well.

Anyway, I’d like to have these “Productive Lazy Days” on a regular basis. What do you think of the concept?

Oatmeal Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cups oats
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 coconut flakes
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/3 cup agave or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Add the oats, almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, and salt in a large bowl and mix together.
3. In a small bowl, melt the coconut oil using the microwave before mixing in the syrup and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients mixture into the dry ingredients and mix everything well.
5. On a lined baking tray, spread the granola evenly before placing in the oven for around 40 minutes. After 20 minutes, you’ll want to stir the granola around.

Easy Rice Cooker Meal

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed & drained
• 1 large ripe tomato, stem removed & cut into large chunks
• 1/2 tbsp basil
• 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients into a rice cooker and mix everything well together.
2. Cook it using the rice setting.
3. I ended up eating this with some ketchup because it was a bit bland! Add any sort of sauces as needed and enjoy with your favourite vegan protein source & vegetables on the side.