How to Make Porridge a Balanced Meal!

Breakfast is a meal, not a snack. And it’s important that your meals are nutritionally balanced. Below are some tips to help make sure that you are getting the right nutrition when you start your day off with a bowl of oats!

Tips:

1.Always add seeds/nuts. Change it up from time to time. I like to use milled flax/chia seeds as much as possible as they’re one of few foods that are exceptionally high in an omega-3 fatty acid called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Fat is also very important for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and helps increase satiety. In addition, seeds and nuts are high in protein. Flaxseed and Chia Seeds are approximately 30% fibre too, and fibre is so important for gut health.

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2.Make your porridge with soya milk if you don’t drink much plant milk throughout the day. This way you get an extra bit of protein, your porridge is creamier, and you get calcium, vitamin D & B12 as long as it’s a fortified milk-alternative.

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3.Always add fruit. Not only is it good to get your fruit in here for the sake of hitting a target, but you add vitamin C if you use berries or have an orange on the side, and this will aid iron absorption. In addition, your fruit will provide some antioxidants, varying types of micronutrients and also will add sweetness sparing you from adding sugar.

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4.Make your tea herbal, and save the tea/coffee for later (or even an hour before you have breakfast) this way you reduce the amount of tannins and other anti-nutrients that hinder micronutrient absorption.

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5.Make it different from day to day. Neither of these porridges look alike, yet they’re all made from the same base: oats. Changing things up prevents things getting boring and also allows you to get variety in your life. And if you really want to add some flavour dynamics, try some cocoa powder in your porridge, or some cinnamon... you’re bound to find something you love! 💚