Not a porridge person? We get it. While oats are the bastions of healthy eating, they also taste a bit… bland. More than bland. Terrible, really. Even major foodies have trouble finding ways to make healthy grub taste good. (FYI – if you fancy yourself a foodie, consider entering Next Fit Foodie, our search for SA’s kitchen star)
Luckily, you don’t have to be relegated to a life of soggy sawdust just to make gains (oats are full of fibre, magnesium and antioxidants – plus they keep you fuller for longer). Herewith, five ways I’ve pimped my porridge!
Power Oats
Cook up your oats as normal, then top with nuts, seeds and dried cranberries for extra energy. I added a banana too, so this is a great meal before a really big day.
READ MORE: This Protein Berry Porridge Will Supercharge Your Morning
Oatmeal Smoothie
There are four ingredients to this dish, and the genius is that you can decide to blend them all cold or cook them up as a warm dish. I ate mine cold this day and blended one banana with oats, chocolate protein powder and milk. I topped it with banana, almonds, cranberry and anti-inflammatory cinnamon.
Traditional Porridge
Good news: normal porridge can be yummy – especially if you top it with fruit and nuts. Add a drizzle of honey for sweetness and you’re set until lunch.
READ MORE: This One Ingredient Will Give Your Morning Oats A Major Boost
Chia Porridge
If you’re not a fan of oats or porridge, rejoice! Chia seeds are very high in complete protein and omegas, making it an incredible way to start your day. Just soak them overnight in some milk, and top with banana and cranberries for sweetness and extra oomph.
READ MORE: 6 Wintery Oat Recipes That’ll Kickstart Your Day
Overnight Oats
Full disclosure: I made these the morning of, and not at all the night before. Which just proves how easy this is to make: rolled oats, topped with milk, then fortified with cinnamon and fruits of your choosing. You can play with anything: kiwi, banana, papaya, strawberries… the list is endless.
FYI, if you’re rolling your eyes at these options because you’ve got breakfast waxed, we have news! Women’s Health powered by Whirlpool is on the hunt for South Africa’s next food celebrity — and it could be you! We’re on a nationwide search for a woman who has the personality, creds and inspirational social feed to help other women fall in love with healthy food. Keen? Enter here now!
