In the warmer weather it can be a good time to try some other breakfast options as porridge loses it’s warming appeal..

Porridge is so good for you, of course, as oats have so many health benefits including:

• A great mix of carbohydrates and fibre including a type of fibre that can reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels
• More protein and fats than most grains, making it one of the most well balanced grains
• Being packed full of vitamins and minerals
• Being packed full of anti oxidant plant compounds

And so keep your porridge habit up if you can! But if you fancy a change here’s a tasty template for making your own nutritionally balanced oat based granola:

Ingredients

• 250g rolled oats
• 100g milled (ground) linseed, sunflower seeds etc.
• 1 crumbled wheat biscuit (such as Weetabix) (optional)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsps olive, coconut or rapeseed oil
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

Method

• Preheat oven to 150 deg C
• Combine all of the ingredients apart from the last two into a bowl
• Whisk the egg white until frothy and then stir into the mixture
• If you have a sweeter tooth at this point you may want to add a tbsp of honey or maple syrup
• Spread evenly over a baking sheet or two lined with baking paper
• Bake for 50 mins turning the mixture half way taking care to keep some clumps
• Leave to cool and then store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 weeks adding dried fruit, nuts, seeds and shredded coconut as you wish

This also makes a great crumble topping!