Breakfast is the one meal of the day I always make time for. It was drummed into me from an early age that breakfast is the most important meal and my siblings and I were seldom allowed sugary, "fun" cereals with toys in the box. We were usually offered Weetabix or Ready Brek. Now I eat porridge pretty much every day and I've noticed some positive health benefits.
Oats are a good source of dietary fibre and are a low GI index food, which means that they release energy slowly throughout the day, keeping you feeling full for longer. They also help to lower cholesterol by increasing bile production in the gall bladder. The body uses excess cholesterol in the blood to produce this extra bile, therefore having a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. Oats can reduce inflammation and help with weight loss too. So, an all round superfood really.

I have tried other brands of oats, including supermarket own and organic varieties, but I always come back to Quaker because they are the best for flavour and texture.
Making porridge is easy peasy. Simply put half a cup of oats into a bowl, add a cup of milk and bung it in the microwave for two and a half minutes. When you hear the ping, take it out, stir and leave to stand for a minute or two to cool down. Don't try to eat it right away or you will suffer third degree burns to your mouth! I always use skimmed milk (my kids call it white water) but it works with any kind of milk, or if you are really calorie conscious, you can just use water. Now for the toppings. Plain porridge is frankly very bland, it needs embellishing. My favourite topping is a teaspoon of golden syrup but I also like fresh blueberries, a sliced banana or a few nuts. A dollop of jam is yummy, tinned fruit, dried fruit or even chocolate sauce are all amazing. Maple syrup and pecan nuts are a real treat on special occasions, or you might fancy honey and natural yoghurt. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Of course, porridge isn't the only thing you can use oats for. They make wonderful flapjacks, give an extra crunch to crumbles and will even make a tasty coating for chicken. And, because they are anti-inflammatory, they make a soothing face mask when mixed with honey. At just £1.89 for a huge 1kg box and widely available in all good supermarkets, every home should have a box!