Jo Lewin

Porridge fans rejoice because today – Monday 10th October is in fact World Porridge Day.

I have to admit that I only learnt of the day’s significance through twitter #worldporridgeday but feel as a dedicated fan of the oaty goodness, it is worth a wee mention.

I advocate broad and varied dietary choices to ensure a balanced diet however, when it comes to breakfast I am a creature of habit. I rarely miss breakfast (oh no no no!) as it is ‘the most important meal of the day’ setting you up for what lies ahead and balancing blood sugar levels after a night’s sleep. The benefits of eating a decent breakfast are vast, none more so than the goodness of the humble oat.

Porridge can divide opinion. A marmite of sorts. There are those of you so in love with rich teaming oaty goodness and those who are repulsed my the mere thought of the gloopy, stodgy, wallpaper paste likeness of it. I fall into the former category (as you may have guessed). The beauty of porridge (i think) is that you can transform it. It is a blank canvas. I like to add stewed fruit (right now its Bramley apple and cinnamon), which adds sweetness and flavour. Other popular choices include:

• Dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, figs etc)
• Berries (raspberries or blueberries)
• Banana
• Nuts and seeds (pecans, almonds, brazil nuts, pumpkin, sunflower)
• Cinnamon or nutmeg

I rate it as the breakfast of champions, setting you up for the day and keeping you full until lunch. Add a portion of fruit and strike off one of your ‘five-a-day’ not to mention the health benefits of oats. The soluble fibre in oats has been proven to lower cholesterol, balances blood sugar and supports bowel function.