Holland & Barrett
The old adage ‘breakfast like a king’ in order to give yourself the best start to the day has some merit, assuming of course, you aim to make it as healthy as possible!
And if you are tired of the same old thing for breakfast each day, how can you go about shaking things up a little and perhaps trying something new?
If you would like to find an alternative to bland flakes of corn with milk each morning and favour something a little more nutritious - and dare we say exciting – then why not take a look through our range of breakfast cereals for some healthy inspiration.
Who’s been eating my porridge oats?
No longer the preserve of the three bears, porridge oats have seen a real resurgence in recent years as ever growing numbers of fans have learned new ways with this long-standing cupboard staple.
Yes, they are fantastic in a syrupy flap jack. But oats also make for a filling breakfast, which can genuinely set you up for the day – reducing the likelihood of your searching for biscuits come mid-morning.
Porridge oats can be cooked with water, milk or pretty much any milk substitute you fancy. Simmer them slowly over a stove for a thick, creamy texture or ping them in the microwave for 2 minutes for a quick breakfast to go.
Top them with fruits such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries or frankly whatever you have in the house. Delicious with a drizzle of honey. And did we mention a splash of cream?
Alternatively, porridge oats can be soaked overnight in apple juice and placed in the fridge, ready to go first thing in the morning. Top with fruit, seeds, organic flaxseed or millet grain for a nutritious boost and eat on your commute or once you’re in the office.
Gluten free oats
For those avoiding gluten, there’s no need to miss out on a filling bowl of porridge for breakfast if you use Holland & Barrett’s Organic Gluten Free Jumbo Oats.
Free from gluten, this product is perfect for lovers of porridge who are otherwise gluten intolerant, such as those suffering from coeliac disease.
Barley flakes
If oats are not your thing, or you have an intolerance to them, then why not try barley flakes for something a little different?
Barley flakes can make muesli and granola more visually interesting and are ideal for a thick porridge, crowned with all your favourite toppings! Alternatively, they also lend themselves to being soaked overnight in milk or juice.
Mix it up with muesli
Muesli is essentially a wonderful mixture of dried fruits (such as raisins and sultanas) and nuts, along with oats and grains.
High in fibre, muesli is also a versatile breakfast option, tasty on its own with milk or arguably even better with yoghurt and fresh fruit.
Sprinkle chia seeds or flaxseed on top and sit at home and enjoy it with the Sunday papers. Or pack it up in a container to go, for a healthier breakfast option at your desk.
Flaxseed and wheat germ for additional nutrition in a sprinkle
Flaxseed is often sprinkled on breakfast cereals, porridge or muesli as a way of adding additional fibre into your diet. You can even bake it into your cakes and biscuits too.
Long used as a health food, flaxseed provides healthy plant-based omega-3 (ALA), protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
The recommended daily amount is just 2 heaped dessert spoons – meaning that flaxseed packs a big nutritious punch for such a little sprinkle over your breakfast each morning.
Wheatgerm
Wheatgerm, like flaxseed, can be added to your breakfast or baking – and even stews and casseroles – in order to help boost their nutritional content, particularly in the form of much needed fibre.
By using up to two tablespoons a day, you can significantly increase your fibre intake – and if you make your own granola, you might like to add some wheatgerm there too.