Christmas Countdown Day 2

I'm sticking to my word so far with my Christmas countdown in which I'm attempting to post everyday in the run up to Christmas!

Today's post is about something I cherish close to my heart.... BREAKFAST!  I almost always have porridge for breakfast which I'm sure a lot of people would find boring. However, today I am going to show you how to spice up your porridge with the warming flavours of Chai, perfect for keeping the cold wintery breezes away. If you've never had a Chai Latte (where have you been all your life? Go to Starbucks/ Costa immediately and go and buy one!) it basically consists of hot milk with lots of spices like cinnamon and cardamom to give you an amazing kick of loveliness!

To make this amazing yet healthy breakfast you will need:
180ml semi-skimmed milk
4 Tablespoons of Porridge Oats
4 Teaspoons of Chai Latte mix
1 Small saucepan
1 Banana (optional)

Firstly, scoop your 4 tablespoons of porridge oats into the saucepan

Measure out 180 ml of milk and pour this into the saucepan with the oats.

Next add 4 teaspoons of Chai Latte mix (available in most supermarkets)...

and put the ring on at a medium-high heat.

Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Lower the heat. 

Now you can put the lid of the saucepan on but remember to keep coming back to stir so that it doesn't burn! 

When the porridge is much thicker in consistency, you're finished!

To make the porridge extra delicious, I added chopped up banana and sprinkled some granola on top! Enjoy!

love

Lottie ;) x 

A Healthier start from a healthier breakfast

As we all know 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day'. Many people skip breakfast but I personally start to feel quite unwell without it and don't feel I can make it through to lunchtime! 

Although I'm quite into being fit and healthy, I am not one to put off a slice of cake every so often or just eat fruit everyday for breakfast. 

This morning I indulged in some soda bread toast (which is yeast free, so reduces bloating), providing energetic carbohydrates and just tasting damn tasty! However, this toast had a beneficial twist provided by my new favourite Manuka Honey and the unusual Almond butter (similar to peanut butter). 

Lots of supermarkets and health food stores provide alternatives to the average spreads, usually filled with large quantities of sugar. However, the two spreads I had this morning both contain healthy aids for your body. 

Almond Butter has a large amount of benefits. 

It can help  lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals, provide good brain function and can reduce heart attack risk. The phosphorus in almonds also help to build stronger bones and teeth. 

Manuka Honey can be bad for you in large quantities because of the sugar it contains but nevertheless it can help reduce bloating and it's antiviral properties can also help when you detect the first signs of a cold. 

So take it from me, breakfast can be both health beneficial and delicious without tasting bland and boring!