Porridge has become one of the most popular breakfast dishes for many people. Porridge is healthy, full of nutrients, and simply delicious. The preparation is always open to discussion. There are many ways to enjoy porridge – preparing it with almond milk is one of the healthiest and most nutritious options!
You don't necessarily have to choose a vegan lifestyle. However, the advantages over regular cow's milk are substantial! In addition to the many issues associated with general animal husbandry, industrial dairy farming is a significant reason to eliminate cow's milk from your diet. In today's blog post, we'll discuss the benefits of almond milk, why porridge is so healthy, and why you should generally include porridge in your breakfast!
Porridge is healthy – but why exactly?
You hear it again and again: porridge is healthy. But why exactly? Oatmeal is a local superfood and contains many minerals and vitamins. Oatmeal is extremely easy to prepare. Whether as warm porridge or as cold overnight oats, there is something for every taste.
Why you should eat porridge for breakfast
Oats are rich in complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly and thus guarantee a long-lasting energy supply. Especially when you have oats for breakfast, you start the day with plenty of energy. This is particularly important for athletes who need a lot of energy throughout the day! Porridge is also very suitable as a snack in between meals.
Oats are also rich in fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and keeps you full for a long time! However, you should definitely drink enough water because fiber only works effectively if consumed with a lot of fluid.
Proteins are a significant concern for many people, especially when it comes to muscle building; you should not consume too few of them! Porridge with various toppings is a perfect source of protein.
Vitamins and minerals should not be missing from any good breakfast. So, you are definitely on the right track with oats. With just the right toppings, you can turn your breakfast into a veritable vitamin and mineral bomb! Plus, the glycemic index of porridge is low, meaning your blood sugar and insulin levels won’t rise quickly, leading to better blood sugar control.
What makes almond milk so healthy?
If you have been searching for milk alternatives for some time, you have probably heard of almond milk or even bought almond milk . As an alternative to regular cow's milk, it is particularly beneficial – it is considered healthy because it is a rich source of important nutrients and vitamins while being very low in calories.
Almond milk contains significant vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. If you prepare your porridge with almond milk, you will start the day with the necessary nutrients! Almond milk also has a low fat content. Compared to other types of milk, almond milk contains less fat, which can be advantageous for people who want to monitor their fat intake.
Furthermore, almond milk is rich in healthy fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acids are abundant in almond milk, which can be beneficial for heart health. Lactose- and gluten-free, almond milk is a great choice for individuals with intolerances.
Due to the many fibers that almond milk contains, it is also very healthy for digestion. Additionally, with a high fiber density, you can increase your feeling of fullness and prevent cravings. Consuming almond milk can also lower your cholesterol and improve blood sugar regulation – perfect for those who need to pay attention to their health.
What are the disadvantages of cow's milk compared to almond milk?
Cow's milk remains the most widely used source of milk in the world. Many people swear by drinking milk. But there are also some disadvantages to be aware of when consuming cow's milk.
Lactose intolerance is a phenomenon that affects more and more people. After consuming cow's milk, one may experience flatulence, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Many people also suffer from a milk protein allergy, which can lead to symptoms such as itching, rashes, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.
Cow's milk has a very high-fat content and contains both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, which can contribute to an increased body fat percentage with regular consumption. People with kidney problems or impaired kidney function should avoid cow's milk due to its high potassium content.
Regular consumption of cow's milk can also lead to hormonal imbalances, as regular cow's milk contains estrogen as well as progesterone. The production of cow's milk requires a significant amount of water, land, and energy and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions – the ecological footprint of cow's milk is therefore very high.
The disadvantages of cow's milk are clear. So if you want to take care of yourself and the environment, you should avoid cow's milk and consider plant-based alternatives.
How to make porridge with almond milk: step by step guide
So that you are not overwhelmed by the preparation of oatmeal, here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the creamiest, tastiest oatmeal for breakfast:
- Gather ingredients: You'll need oats, almond milk, water, and toppings such as fruits, nuts, honey, or cinnamon.
- Combine oats and water in a pot: Place 1 cup of oats and 2 cups of water in a medium-sized pot.
- Boil: Put the pot on the stove and heat the water and oats over medium to high heat. Stir occasionally until the water begins to boil.
- Reduce the heat: Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium and continue to simmer the porridge until it thickens and becomes creamy, this should take about 5-7 minutes. Do not forget to stir occasionally.
- Add almond milk: Once the porridge is thick and creamy, remove it from the heat and slowly add 1 cup of almond milk. Stir in the milk well to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the porridge.
If this preparation is too elaborate for you and you are generally a morning person who dislikes intensive prep, do not despair! Overnight oats are just the thing for you. You simply place the oats in the fridge together with almond milk the night before. The rest will happen on its own! The oats soak overnight, and you will have a creamy and fast porridge ready right after getting up. The nutritional values and minerals are identical to those of the "warm" version.
Variants and ingredients for an even better vegan porridge with almond milk
Porridge has become a daily companion for many of us. To avoid getting bored with your porridge journey, here are some tips to enhance your breakfast.
Fresh fruit is probably the most obvious topping for your porridge. Whether berries such as blueberries or raspberries, apples, or bananas, no matter what fruit you choose, there are absolutely no limits, and you can experiment to your heart's content. Nuts and seeds also play an important role in delicious oatmeal. They allow you to enhance your porridge with valuable proteins, fats, and other nutrients not found in plain oats. Chia seeds, flaxseeds, cashews, almonds, or hazelnuts are particularly good options for this.
Honey or syrup are perfect for adding the necessary sweetness to your porridge. Whether honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup, they all contribute to making your porridge sweeter. A pinch of cinnamon can also help! You can achieve similar results with chocolate or cocoa powder. However, it should be noted that you should be careful with the dosages. Too much sugar can hinder your goals. Various other spices, such as vanilla or cardamom, can also make your porridge more interesting and even tastier.
When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless. If you're willing to experiment, you will never tire of porridge!
Porridge basic recipe – sugar-free and vegan
Ingredients
- 180 ml milk or plant drink
- 3-4 tbsp oatmeal
- 1 pinch of salt
Preparation
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Bring the milk (or plant-based drink) to a boil in a saucepan.
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Add the oatmeal and reduce the stove setting to low.
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Simmer the porridge for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly with a spoon to prevent the milk from burning and to achieve a nice creamy texture.
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Remove the pot from the heat and let the porridge steep until it reaches the desired consistency.
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Finally, add a pinch of salt. This enhances the flavor of the oatmeal, whether you intend to enjoy your porridge with sweet or savory toppings.
Porridge with almond milk – a summary
Porridge with almond milk is a very healthy alternative to regular cow's milk.
The oatmeal can also help you lose weight and effectively reduce food cravings. For athletes, oats can provide a substantial morning boost and deliver plenty of energy for workouts – whether before or after! Whether you prefer warm porridge or overnight oats, you will never get bored. With its myriad preparation methods and toppings, you can enjoy oats every day, but you need not repeat the previous day’s meal.
Oats are and will remain the local superfood – and that won't change anytime soon! It is unclear whether porridge with almond milk is the healthiest version of porridge. However, we can definitively say that compared to cow's milk, there are clear advantages, and you should consider skipping regular cow's milk.
