Food Diaries | Porridge: The Breakfast of Champions

Porridge contains whole grains which are super beneficial. Whole grains can boost bone mineral density, lower blood pressure, promote healthy gut bacteria and reduce the risk of a whole range of diseases as well as reduce risk of premature death. Porridge in particular contain beta glucans which can help reduce blood cholesterol.

Porridge oats are very popular choices among athletes and the "healthy" communities not only because of the benefits but because they release their fuel slowly because they have a low glycaemic index (thus providing energy for a long period of time) as well as tasty super yummy. 

If you're stuck for ideas for sehri  (or the current popular word "suhoor") and want to try something healthy but that will help fuel you for longer then give this a go. Not to mention this takes no time to make. 

Ingredients: 

Instant Oats

Whole Milk 

1 tablespoon brown sugar 

1 handful chopped walnuts

2 chopped dates

1 tablespoon honey

2 handful frozen fruits (take it out and let it defrost in the fridge the night before, so you end up with a gloopy syrup type consistency)

1 tablespoon Greek yoghurt or similar 

Method: 

1. Make your oats as per the instructions on the box + sweeten with brown sugar

2. Add some of the defrosted fruits at the bottom of your bowl, then layer the porridge on top

3. Add remaining fruits on top, then top with Greek yoghurt, nuts and dates, and honey

4. Enjoy! 

Depending on how much porridge you add this breakfast is ~600 kcal (about ~275 kcal is coming from the walnuts) which will help you going for a good little while. While that may sound like a lot, it's not as it's full of healthy fats, fibre and lots of vitamins and nutrients. You want to add some sort of healthy fat to your sehri as fat slows down digestion and will provide energy for longer (fats provide more energy per gram than carbohydrates than proteins).

Come on you know you want some....

Okay. Don't lick the screen, coz that's just gross bro' ........