Porridge

LFC5Times

Hi,

I have read on this forum and a few other sites that it is good to have porridge for breakfast in the morning.

In the house we have some Odlums Quick & Easy Porridge Oats and you have a little scoop with it and you scoop the oats into the bowl and same with the milk for measurement purposes. I also throw in 4/5 almonds with it and throw it into the microwave.

Would I be better off with some other type of Porridge like Flahavans or is the Odlums one ok?

Also any other recommendations of what you can add to the porridge which will make it healthier.

Cheers

willietherock

Any porridge is a great breakfast. Personally I like a 40g mix of Flahvin's Jumbo Oats and Bran with some raisins. Add water, microwave and add a good dollop of honey and ground cinnamon. The oat bran adds a bit of volume to the jumbo oats when cooked. Adding half a mashed banana before cooking also works a treat.

PauloConn

I use Flahavans Rolled Oats with Oat Bran (40 grams between them), some frozen berries while they're in the bot just after it starts to bubble. And then, once it's cooled, I add a scoop of vanilla whey protein. Perfect all round meal that takes at the very most 10 minutes.

ASJ112

I use Flahavans too, its pretty good.

and add a good dollop of honey and ground cinnamon.

I do the same, I use manuka honey myself.


Throw in things like flaxseeds too and you are getting a very healthy breakfast, which will last for quite a while.

Iristxo

ASJ112 wrote: »

I use Flahavans too, its pretty good.


I do the same, I use manuka honey myself.


Throw in things like flaxseeds too and you are getting a very healthy breakfast, which will last for quite a while.

Honey has a very high GI.

Check out all of the Linwoods options, available in most supermarkets. We use the mixture of flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds, also the goji berries and the hemps seeds. Hemp in particular is amazing. Add a spoon of each after you've finished cooking the porridge.

El_Dangeroso

Don't forget to soak your oats to maximize their nutrition.

Even better put them in water overnight with a bit of natural yoghurt before eating.

rubadub

LFC5Times wrote: »

Would I be better off with some other type of Porridge like Flahavans or is the Odlums one ok?

Quick & easy=more expensive & over processed.

They must steam them more or something to make them microwave better. If you soak regular oats in a bowl in the fridge overnight they absorb the moisture better and microwave just fine.

I just have them uncooked with milk, or else liquidise them with milk and egg to make pancakes.

trash.heap

I read somewhere recently that the quick oats have a much higher gi than the regular oats...so now, I use the regular Flahavans oats. They don't turn as mushy as the quick oats but they are still tasty. Especially with some honey and cinnamon, nyomm!

@TempleGrandin. Do you soak the oats in water or in milk? I usually cook them in milk, so I'm presuming I'd soak them in milk?

El_Dangeroso

trash.heap wrote: »

@TempleGrandin. Do you soak the oats in water or in milk? I usually cook them in milk, so I'm presuming I'd soak them in milk?

Soaking them overnight in water and a dolop of yoghurt ferments the porridge which breaks down phytic acid and lectins making the porridge's nutrients and that of the milk you put in it more absorb-able.

This used to be done all the time in Ireland but we've forgotten the tradition for some reason.

corkcomp

Temple_Grandin wrote: »

This used to be done all the time in Ireland but we've forgotten the tradition for some reason.

its not so much that we have forgotten it, more that it is not absolutely necessary anymore, now that most porridge oats are processed to the consistency of sawdust readybrek

El_Dangeroso

corkcomp wrote: »

its not so much that we have forgotten it, more that it is not absolutely necessary anymore, now that most porridge oats are processed to the consistency of sawdust readybrek

Your probably right depressingly. The processing just makes it more digestible rather than more nutritious.:(

LFC5Times

Does it make a difference if you make it in the microwave or the pot? Obviously I would be more likely to make it in the microwave

ColmDawson

Don't forget a nice dollop of stewed apple!

corkcomp

LFC5Times wrote: »

Does it make a difference if you make it in the microwave or the pot? Obviously I would be more likely to make it in the microwave

no it doesnt make a difference, except it is likely to overflow all over your microwave unless you put it in at medium heat. ive found it overflows over even the biggest of bowls! I rarely make it at home though, joys of a work canteen

Pembily

corkcomp wrote: »

no it doesnt make a difference, except it is likely to overflow all over your microwave unless you put it in at medium heat. ive found it overflows over even the biggest of bowls! I rarely make it at home though, joys of a work canteen

Since I started to soak them overnight I find they don't overflow as much...

I use what ever porridge (Flahavans or Odlums) is on offer in the supermarket!!!!!

I used to add milled flax and gogi berries, cinnamon and tsp jam!

Now I use xyilitol and peanut butter!!

I always soak in milk and water

Mellor

rubadub wrote: »

Quick & easy=more expensive & over processed.

I can't confirm for the ones in Ireland, but here the difference between regular rolled oats and the quick-oats variety (from the same brand) is that the quick oats have some ground/powdered oats included.
No additives.

I prefer these simple because that come in 12 packets, so my portions are consistent (35g). If I buy plain I add a scoop of berries, or jam (made without sugar, just fruit). But I also buy variety packs with flavour oats inc these are berry, brown sugar & cinnamon, apple etc. Obvious there is a few extra cals with the flavours, but I checked it out carefully and they flavours make a much smaller differ than is you added your own sugar, honey, apple etc

dxhound2005

Some more ideas in this thread.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055533060&highlight=porridge

rubadub

Pembily wrote: »

Since I started to soak them overnight I find they don't overflow as much

Yes, also I microwave and watch until I see it beginning to "move", then turn it right down to low/defrost and leave it be.

Mellor wrote: »

I can't confirm for the ones in Ireland, but here the difference between regular rolled oats and the quick-oats variety (from the same brand) is that the quick oats have some ground/powdered oats included.

Right, I have seen ready brek and a tesco type of readybrek both have oat flour in them. This oat flour is surprisingly hard to find, I have never found it in any health shop, I liquidise dry oats but it is not exactly a fine flour you get.

Pinhead oats take ages to cook and would be the least processed ones and they often recommend soaking overnight.

This was a site showing how odlums ones were processed but it is no longer working. It was rolling and steaming.

ErinGoBrath

Check out the new Flahavans range with added fruit. I picked up the apple, raisin and cinnimon pack last week and it's very nice. No added sugars either so it's still healthly.

MissMotivated

I've been using Odlums organic oatflakes, soaking over night in a pot (it's how my daddy always makes it) but I bought one of the quick oats packets last week, not sure which one. Even though it doesn't take long to cook in a pot It's handier to bung it in the microwave.
So can I soak the organic oatflakes in a bowl in milk or water overnight and then cook in the microwave next morning? I do find the quick oats more mushy if you know what I mean, I prefer the organic oatflakes

brainyneuron

For the people who microwave the porridge-how long do you leave it in the microwave for? I put my porridge in the pot and cook it with milk, it literally only takes a minute and a half or two minutes to cook. I think using a microwave to cook porridge just defeats the purpose of having a healthy brekkie!

Ciaran500

brainyneuron wrote: »

For the people who microwave the porridge-how long do you leave it in the microwave for? I put my porridge in the pot and cook it with milk, it literally only takes a minute and a half or two minutes to cook. I think using a microwave to cook porridge just defeats the purpose of having a healthy brekkie!

100g takes about 3min in the microwave for me, wouldn't cook it in a pot cause then I'd have even more to clean.

Whats unhealthy about a microwave?

brainyneuron

Ciaran500 wrote: »

Whats unhealthy about a microwave?

Haha are you serious?? :eek::rolleyes:

Ciaran500

brainyneuron wrote: »

Haha are you serious?? :eek::rolleyes:

Go on, humour me.

brainyneuron

Whats healthy about a microwave? You're basically nuking your food!! I'm not a nutritionist so hold up my hands and fully admit I can't back up my claims but the less you use the microwave the better! I only use it if i'm really stuck. Porridge-3 mins in the microwave or 2 mins on the hob and 30 secs to a min of cleaning (pour in boiled water from kettle and scrub with a brush its not that hard!) =3 mins also but less microwaves used!

cruizer101

I'm also confused as to the unhealtheness of microwave, please enlighten us.

Although my real query is about eating porridge cold, I really just don't like cooked porrdige, both texture and flavour. I do however quite happily eat cold and raw sprinkled over some other cereal, normally bran flakes.

Can anyone suggest anything else I could have it with cold as I know bran flakes wouldn't be the best for you and I find by itself its just a bit stodgy or something, I like something crispy with it.

Ciaran500

brainyneuron wrote: »

Whats healthy about a microwave? You're basically nuking your food!! I'm not a nutritionist so hold up my hands and fully admit I can't back up my claims but the less you use the microwave the better! I only use it if i'm really stuck. Porridge-3 mins in the microwave or 2 mins on the hob and 30 secs to a min of cleaning (pour in boiled water from kettle and scrub with a brush its not that hard!) =3 mins also but less microwaves used!

Nuclear radiation is ionising, very dangerous. Microwave radiation is non ionizing, completely different, safe and present every where in the world. The only reason I could find not to use a microwave on food is that it damages vitamin B-12. You have nothing to worry about by using a microwave, they have been around and widely studied since the 50's, they're completely safe.

brainyneuron

Ciaran I take your point and with all respect I think we'll agree to disagree at this point. I don't know enough about the subject to discuss it further!

Ciaran500

brainyneuron wrote: »

Ciaran I take your point and with all respect I think we'll agree to disagree at this point. I don't know enough about the subject to discuss it further!

So, you have to disagree even though you don't know what you're talking about? Do some research and stop being scared of your microwave.

rubadub

There are far too many myths about microwaves to even begin mentioning any. Have look here http://www.google.com/webhp?complete=1&hl=en#complete=1&hl=en&source=hp&q=microwave+site%3Asnopes.com&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=7adeff1d0ed08cc0

Pembily

Ciaran500 wrote: »

So, you have to disagree even though you don't know what you're talking about? Do some research and stop being scared of your microwave.

My boyfriend is a microwave phobe - its priceless!!! We had a broken microwave at home for about a year - sister put tinfoil in it and it blew a hole in the door so my Elec Eng dad covered the door outside with tinfoil - teehee!!!

I use the micorwave cos porridge sticks to the pot and I am lazy at cleaning sometimes...

Thanks Rubadub never thought to put it on defrost at all...

Rubadubs oat pancakes are amazing I do find the blended oats are never that fine Il ask in my health food shop if they can be purchased, how about a bean grinder??????? I am getting one of them soon

Mellor

rubadub wrote: »

This was a site showing how odlums ones were processed but it is no longer working. It was rolling and steaming.

I imagine that sort of processing isn't that bad, compared with the processing that say a frozen chicken pieces goes through.

brainyneuron wrote: »

Whats healthy about a microwave? You're basically nuking your food!! I'm not a nutritionist so hold up my hands and fully admit I can't back up my claims but the less you use the microwave the better! I only use it if i'm really stuck.

you can't back up you claims because you are making them up.
Microwaves don't nuke food, don't be so ridiculous.

They basically use energy to heat the water. (As does a hob)

Porridge-3 mins in the microwave or 2 mins on the hob and 30 secs to a min of cleaning (pour in boiled water from kettle and scrub with a brush its not that hard!) =3 mins also but less microwaves used!

There is no way you can make 100g of oats in 2 mins on the hob. Thats a big portion, I make 35g is 60 seconds or so. Or in work we have drect boiling water, I just fire it into the bowl with the instant oats.

brainyneuron wrote: »

Ciaran I take your point and with all respect I think we'll agree to disagree at this point. I don't know enough about the subject to discuss it further!

You admit you don't know enough (anything imo) about microwaves. So how have you formed this opinion? Is it just from hearsay? microwaves get an awful bad rep, and they are likely one of the better ways to cook some foods.

A recent study tested various methods of cooking veggies. I believe they used steaming, boiling, roasting and microwaving.

Steaming came out the best, micro wave second best,. I can't remember the order for the other two, but essentially, microwaving was better than the hob.
The microwave is better, or at least no worse than the hob for cooking based on boiling water. Cooking meat is a different story, but thats because it doesn't taste right

rubadub

Pembily wrote: »

Il ask in my health food shop if they can be purchased

I forgot this was posted in the orginal long pancake thread.

taconnol wrote: »

I have found oat flour in Down To Earth on Georges St (it's just down from Yamamori).

Pembily

rubadub wrote: »

I forgot this was posted in the orginal long pancake thread.

I am in Galway / Cork / Clare rarely in Dublin!!! I will live with the blended version!! Thanks

Khannie

Ciaran500 wrote: »

they're completely safe.

They're also better for the environment. They use less energy to cook / heat the same amount of food.

Pembily wrote: »

I do find the blended oats are never that fine

That's weird. Mine's a liquid when I'm finished.