Porridge Oats - Stock & Prep - 900g

Oats are a classic staple of most childhood mornings as a traditional breakfast food, but did you know that they are actually an incredibly healthy wholefood. Oats are among the healthiest foods you can eat, high in fibre, protein and a wealth of vitamins and minerals they really are hard to beat. What are the types of oats? Whole or jumbo oats, which are the least broken down, and therefore take longer to cook. Rolled oats, which have been roasted, steamed and flattened to remove the outer shell. Oatmeal, which has similarly been roasted, steamed and flattened, but is ideal for making porridge. Broadly speaking these oats all have similar nutritional contents, although roasting and steaming oats can very slightly reduce this. Due to their similarities, it is often best to pick oats based around what you will use them for (while also taking the health benefits into consideration). Do oats improve digestion? Oats are also packed full of insoluble and soluble fibre (both of which are very healthy) Insoluble fibre is great for aiding digestion, while soluble fibre helps to lower cholesterol and improve heart health. As well as the obvious digestive benefits, the high fibre content in oats has been shown to help establish healthy gut bacteria, and generally maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Why oats are the perfect breakfast? One of the reasons oats are primarily used as a breakfast food is because of their low glycemic index and slow releasing energy. The glycemic index refers to the speed at which carbohydrates raise glucose levels in the blood, the lower the score the slower the release of energy. The slow release of energy means that oats really can keep you powered from breakfast until lunch, without crashing in the late morning.Not only will oats keep your energy levels high, they will also make you feel fuller due to their beta glucan content. Beta glucan is a specific type of hard to find soluble fibre, which increases the water absorption in your body, this creates a feeling of fullness and helps to stop overeating, which when combined with the long lasting energy of oats makes them a really useful weight management tool. The incredible nutritional benefits of oats Oats also contain vitamins B1, B2 and inositol. Vitamin B1 (also known as thiamin) provides a boost to the nervous system, while also helping to facilitate the slow releasing energy mentioned above. Vitamin B2 (also known as riboflavin) is great for helping to maintain healthy skin and hair, while also helping to provide a strong nervous system. Inositol is unique, in that it is technically a sugar rather than a vitamin, but it helps the body to process insulin. Oats are a unique superfood, as they are not only a naturally gluten free and vegan source of protein, but they are also incredibly affordable. The amount of protein in oats is often understated in favour of its fibre contents, however dry oats actually contain around 26 grams of protein per cup! Why everyone should keep oats in their pantry? The overwhelming health benefits of oats combined with how simple they are to cook with, make them an ideal part of any balanced diet particularly for those who are struggling with their protein or fibre intake. As well as the obvious use of oats as a breakfast food, oats are also an incredibly useful ingredient for any aspiring baker adding texture, flavour and a litany of health benefits to pretty much any dish you can think of.

Nutrients are the building blocks for health, whether that's making sure your bones are strong or your heart is healthy, they are crucial to a long and healthy life. It can seem difficult to make sure your diet is loaded with enough nutrients to really feel the benefits but eating healthily has never been easier, and these powerful wholefoods are a great way to start improving the nutritional content of your cooking. Lentils Lentils should be a staple of any healthy diet, however their high protein and iron content make them particularly crucial to those on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Not only are lentils packed full of protein and vitamins, they are also high in fibre but low in fat and calories making them a great wholefood for those looking to manage their weight. As well as their health benefits lentils are an incredibly versatile legume, they are a widely used ingredient in Indian, Greek and Mediterranean cooking while also being a great meat substitute in plant based dishes. To prepare lentils, simply soak in water for 20 minutes, then boil them in fresh water for 10 minutes, before simmering them for 30 minutes. Quinoa Quinoa is perhaps one of the best known wholefoods in the world and with good reason. Despite technically being classed as seed, quinoa is a wholegrain that originates from the Andes Mountains, where it has been a staple of South American cuisine for the last 5000 years. Quinoa is a complete protein, which essentially means that one serving contains all 9 amino acids that humans can’t produce on their own. As well as being protein dense quinoa is a great source of iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E and fibre. Because of its many incredible health benefits quinoa is a great addition to pretty much any diet, but in particular it is an easy way for those on a low gluten or vegan diet to make sure they get enough protein. Quinoa is best used as an alternative to rice or couscous, and it is incredibly easy to prepare, simply add quinoa to a pan with water, bring it to a boil and then simmer for around 15 minutes before draining, then fluff with a fork and enjoy. Chickpeas Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are one of the healthiest beans you can introduce into your diet. Originally from the Mediterranean and the Middle East, chickpeas are now a staple in cuisines all over the world, primarily for their versatility and significant nutritional content. Like most beans chickpeas are high in both fibre and protein, however uniquely they also contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, D and E as well as iron, zinc, potassium and calcium. Chickpeas have a wide range of uses, but they are especially important in making hummus and falafels, or as a meat substitute for those on a plant based diet. To prepare fresh chickpeas simply soak them overnight in water and then drain, rinse and boil for approximately 30 minutes. Pumpkin Seeds Pumpkin seeds are one of the healthiest seeds you can incorporate effortlessly into your diet. By eating them straight from the bag or sprinkling them straight into your cooking you can obtain a huge amount of nutrients and antioxidants from pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are high in fibre, which is great for boosting digestive health, but also rich in protein and vitamin E. As well as their high nutritional content pumpkin seeds contain a multitude of antioxidants to keep your body healthy. Pumpkin seeds also make for a perfect snack in between meals, as their fatty acids provide slow releasing energy to keep you feeling fuller for longer. Almonds Almonds are one of the most widely consumed nuts in the world, mainly due to their unique slightly sweet flavour and sheer number of uses, but they also have countless health benefits. Almonds have a very high concentration of fatty acids that are vital for promoting healthy skin and hair, as well as this almonds contain 2 nutrients crucial for brain health, Riboflavin and L Carnitine both of which can be very hard to obtain from other foods. Alongside their high fibre and protein content, the regular consumption of almonds has also been shown to help maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Organic Pitted Prunes Prunes are one of the best dried fruits in regard to their nutritional content, and if pitted are even easier to enjoy. Prunes are dried plums, and are best known for their benefits to digestive health, they have a subtle sweet taste and a slight chewy texture but their incredible nutritional content is often overlooked. Not only are prunes famously packed with fibre, they also have an abundance of vitamins and minerals including potassium, iron and vitamin K which is needed for blood clotting to help heal wounds. Golden Linseed/Flaxseed Flaxseed comes in two varieties, gold and brown and while they differ very little nutritionally golden flaxseed has a slightly more rich taste. Flaxseed is most commonly used in baking to bind ingredients as an egg alternative, it is also a superfood in its own right. High in wheat free fibre and protein, flaxseed is a great alternative for those trying to cut down on gluten. Flaxseed is also an amazing source of omega 3 fatty acids, including Alpha Linolenic Acid, which can otherwise be very hard to obtain for those on a vegetarian diet. Flaxseed can be sprinkled into both sweet and savoury dishes, or even mixed with water and enjoyed on their own. It is however important to note that as you increase your intake of flaxseed, you should also increase your water intake to around 8-10 cups per day. Oats Oats are naturally gluten free, high in fibre and protein, with an abundance of B vitamins and a slow releasing energy source, making them a truly one of a kind wholefood. The high amount of soluble and insoluble fibre in oats allows them to both lower cholesterol and aid digestion. Not only do oats contain vitamins B1 and 2, they also provide the hard to obtain beta-glucan which is amazing for heart health. Alongside the countless health benefits, oats also have a very low glycemic index and so their energy is released slowly throughout the day, which makes them very useful for managing appetite and assisting in weight loss. Oats are also very simple to prepare, simply add double the amount of water/cream to oats and cook for 8 minutes. These wholefoods are just some of the incredible ingredients you should be keeping in your pantry, and thousands more are waiting for you to discover. Whether you are using them to cook with or just as a healthy snack, it is never too late to make great long lasting changes to your diet and you’ll be feeling the difference in no time. All of these amazing nutritious foods have countless uses, perfect for aspiring chefs, bakers or those who just want to live a cleaner healthier life.

We’ve all heard the classic saying that ‘Breakfast is the most important meal of the day’, but is there any truth to it? Well, some of the clue to why it’s touted as being so essential is in the name itself: it’s the way to break our overnight fast. But is skipping it really the dietary faux pas we’ve been led to believe? Well, it turns out there’s many reasons why breakfast is such a significant mealtime. Many studies have shown that regularly eating a good breakfast is linked to better memory and focus, decreased ‘bad’ cholesterol, less risk of developing certain diseases, weight management and good health overall. So seems breakfast is rather beneficial, after all! To help you out, we’ve made a list of healthy breakfast foods, which are mostly vegan friendly, and thrown in a few recipes if you’re needing some inspiration. Let’s get cracking! Oats Having oats for breakfast is one of the best ways you can start your day. They’re one of the healthiest grains on the planet, and are packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Oats are also rich in fibre, which keeps you feeling satiated for longer, whilst also lowering blood sugar and insulin response. This is particularly important in the morning, so you don’t start to crave unhealthy snacks or overeat later in the day. Another great aspect of oats is that they’re easy to prepare and can be paired with basically anything. Make them sweet or savoury by including whatever toppings you heart desires. For a slightly different take on traditional oatmeal, have a look at our Fruit & Nut Overnight Oats. Muffins Muffins at first glance may not seem like the healthiest choice, however there’s still ways you can enjoy these baked goods for breakfast. So, no need to chase away the muffin man just yet! A lot of the ingredients in muffins can be swapped out for healthier alternatives. Instead of sugar think fruit, honey, peanut butter, or cacao. And substitute some of the flour for grains such as oats and quinoa. There are so many different types of healthy muffin recipes out there. One combination we think is delicious for breakfast is our Banana & Almond Muffins. If you’re in rush in the mornings, why not make a big batch and pop them in the freezer. Then, simply reheat them in the toaster oven in the mornings, so you’re breakfast ready. Vegan Scramble Prefer something savoury for your first meal of the day? Well look no further than a scramble. Traditionally this would be made with eggs, but for all our vegan and health conscious friends out there, the eggs can easily be replaced with a plant-based option. Two alternatives are chickpeas or tofu. Both are great sources of protein, whilst also being gluten free and vegan. Protein is an important staple of your diet as numerous studies have shown it increases metabolic health, builds muscle, and aids in weight loss. We’ve got your egg free breakfast covered with our Chickpea Scramble. Chickpeas also contain 8 of the 9 essential amino acids, which are structural components of protein that need to be acquired from the food you eat. Smoothie We all know how vital it is to get enough fruit and vegetables in our diets. They’re packed full of essential nutrients and antioxidants, plus, their fibre content helps keep your digestive system healthy and keeps you feeling full. Smoothies are the perfect way to incorporate some of your 5- a day into your breakfast. There are endless possibilites of ingredients to make your smoothie from, so why not get creative? We personally love this delicious Strawberry Chia Seed Smoothie, along with our heavenly Chocolate Protein Smoothie. Both great ways to get some extra protein in to your morning. Pancakes Pancakes are another breakfast staple that is usually considered unhealthy, but we’ve got your back so you can still keep flipping those delicious cakes! Pancakes can be made from a variety of Healthier Flour Alternatives which contain more nutritional benefits, as opposed to the standard all-purpose flour. If you’re looking to up your protein intake, you can choose a high protein flour such as soya or quinoa flour, alternatively add some protein powder to the mix. Protein is essential for healthy bones, skin, cartilage, and even keeping your hair strong and shiny. If you looking some pancake ideas, then look no further than our Gluten Free Big Boy Pancakes with Muscovado Treacle Syrup or Banana & Strawberry Pancakes Toast Another breakfast favourite! If you want to make this classic morning meal healthier, we recommend switching out white bread for loaves made with minimal ingredients, such as wholegrain, rye or sourdough. This will have less of an impact on your blood sugar levels and are generally lower in fat. If you’re a keen baker, why not try making your own. As to what you decide to put on the toast, well the options are countless. If you’re after a savoury option, we think avocados, tomatoes, roasted peppers, mushrooms, or beans are all highly nutritious and delicious choices. If you prefer your toast to be sweet why not check out our recipe for Vegan French Toast ft. Nooch Granola Granola is a breakfast staple, and for good reason. It’s a much healthier and nutritious choice than many of the popular sugary and calorie laden cereals. Just be aware that a lot of store bought versions of granola can be loaded with added sugars and preservatives, so we suggest mixing your own using oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. These ingredients are rich sources of iron, zinc, and magnesium, as well as B vitamins and vitamin E. You can either eat it as it is, with plant milk, or even sprinkled over yoghurt. For an on the go option, how about trying our Zesty Lemon Chia Seed Granola Bars.