A lot of people think that being healthy and fit means kale, spinach and flavourless food that can only be green.  But I will tell you now… you are wrong! Yes dark green leafy vegetables are vey high in iron, protein and fiber but there is much more to it. Healthy is not about cutting out food or denying yourself of yummy meals. It is about making healthy choices and choosing options that your body will benefit from… like oats! Just like the three little bears porridge was a staple in our family for breakfast during winter. Dad would always wake up and make the most amazing brew for the family. Call me crazy but I love a good sticky, gluggy, hot porridge especially when it is pimped with one of the below options. Don’t let your porridge be a bore or chore to eat. Try one of these divine combos!!

NOTE Classic porridge/soaked oats base recipe :

1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup milk of choice,  1 Tbs chia seeds and 1 tsp honey or maple to add some optional sweetness.

5 WAYS TO PIMP YOUR PORRIDGE

1. SALTED CHOC-PEANUT BUTTER

Who doesn’t love peanut butter? Especially when teamed with chocolate. Yep that’s right chocolate for breakfast, you read correctly. This choc peanut butter combo is to die for and packs a nutritional punch. Simply stir in 1-2 Tbs natural 100% peanut butter, 1 Tbs cacao powder and a pinch of sea salt to your next porridge brew once it is removed from the microwave or whilst stirring on the stove. Serve sprinkled with sliced banana,  peanuts and cacao nibs!! Mmmmmm and the final essential last touch… a spoonful of peanut butter!!!!

2. LAYER IT

Seems like all cute healthy things these days are served in jars and layered. The night before soak 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup milk and 1 Tbs chia seeds in a container in the fridge over night. In the morning pour/scoop half of the oats into a cute jar then add 1/2 a banana sliced up followed by a dollop of Greek yoghurt. Repeat – oats, 1/2 banana and yoghurt. Top with chia seeds, shredded coconut and a couple of blueberries. It looks cute in a jar because you can actually see the layers but it will still taste the same in a bowl if you don’t want to be super alternative and take an insta snap of it :)

3. CARROT CAKE STYLE

Love carrot cake? Try this healthy breakfast inspired alternative. On the stove heat up 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup milk and 1 Tbs chia seeds. After a couple of minutes add 1/2 grated carrot, 2 finely chopped medjool dates or a small handful of sultanas and a small handful of chopped walnuts. Serve with a dollop of yoghurt, shredded coconut, sprinkle of sultanas and extra walnuts on top. YUM This one is good soaked over night served cold too!

4. GO ‘NUTS’ WITH THE TOPPINGS

All about that crunch?? Top your porridge with a big dollop of yoghurt and some to die for crunchy maple cinnamon flavoured granola. >> RECIPE HERE. Don’t have time to make a granola – top with ANY nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, cacao nibs or chia. Anything crunchy and colourful is going to seal the deal.

5. EGGY

Ok so this one isn’t for the queasy stomachs or people who can’t (pregnant ladies) or wont digest raw egg. When your porridge is finished cooking on the stove or microwave, simply remove it and crack an egg into it whisking it up rapidly until it is nice and fluffy. Not only does the egg change the consistency of the porridge it also adds a dose of extra protein!

Now there is no excuse to be sitting there spooning a boring plain old porridge into your mouth. Jazz it up with one of the above combos and you won’t look back!!

K