3 new ways to spice up your porridge

One of the best things about winter is the excuse to indulge in some yummy, tummy warming porridge. But you’ve got to do it right!Our fitness experts, the BUF Girls share 3 healthy recipe ideas from their favourite #InstaFoodies to kick start your day.

Carrot Cake Oats by @thenutritioncollective

Serves 1

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 finely grated carrot
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1/2 teaspoon stevia
• 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon coconut
• 1 tablespoon of sultanas
• 2 tablespoons of Greek yoghurt

Combine the oats, almond milk, carrot, stevia, cinnamon, vanilla in a small saucepan and allow to soak overnight (overnight is best to allow the oats to soften and expand for optimal digestion but if time poor you can skip this step and just mix it all together).Place the saucepan over a medium heat. Gently cook the oats stirring with a wooden spoon for 7-8 minutes or until the porridge begins to thicken. If the mixture looks a little dry add in dash more almond milk. The porridge will start to stick to the spoon when it is ready.Remove from the heat and allow to stand for 30 seconds. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with Greek yogurt, sultanas, walnuts and coconut.

Chocolate Lovers’ Porridge by @Nutrition4foodies

Serves 1

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1/2 cup mixed berries
• 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
• 1 teaspoon honey or sweetener of choice to serve (optional)
• 1 serving of chocolate protein powder

Combine the oats, almond milk, cinnamon, vanilla in a small saucepan and allow to soak overnight.Just like the carrot cake oats, pop them in the saucepan and heat it up, add a little extra almond milk if you it needs it.Remove from the heat and allow to stand for 30 seconds before whisking in protein powder. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with berries and chopped pistachios.

Almond Banana delight by @bufgirls resident foodie @cassey.maynard

Serves 1

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon rice malt syrup
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 banana
• 1 tablespoon almond butter

Combine the oats, coconut milk, cinnamon, a small saucepan.Place the saucepan over a medium heat. Gently cook the oats stirring with a wooden spoon for 7-8 minutes or until the porridge begins to thicken. If the mixture looks a little dry add in dash more coconut milk. The porridge will start to stick to the spoon when it is ready.Remove from the heat and allow to stand for 30 seconds then mix through rice malt syrup, top with berries, banana and almond butter.