Porridge has become one of the most popular breakfast dishes for many people. Healthy, full of nutrients and simply delicious, porridge is always a popular choice. There are many ways to enjoy porridge – and 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 normal cow's milk are huge! The industrial dairy industry is a big reason to avoid cow's milk, along with the many issues with general animal husbandry. In today's blog post, we discuss the benefits of almond milk, why porridge is so healthy, and why you should incorporate porridge into your breakfast routine!
Porridge is healthy – but why exactly?
We hear it all the time: porridge is healthy. But why exactly? Oats are the local superfood and contain many minerals and vitamins. Porridge is also extremely easy to prepare. Whether as a warm porridge or as cold overnight oats, there is something for everyone.
Why you should eat porridge for breakfast
Oats are rich in complex carbohydrates, which release energy slowly and thus guarantee a long-lasting supply of energy. Especially if you eat oats for breakfast, you will start the day with plenty of energy. This is also particularly important for athletes who need a lot of energy throughout the day! Porridge is also great as a snack between meals.
Oats are also high in fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. However, you should definitely drink enough, because fiber is only effective if you consume it with plenty of liquid.
Protein is an important topic for many people, and you should not eat too little of it, especially if you want to build muscle! Porridge with various toppings is a perfect source of protein.
Vitamins and minerals are an essential part of any good breakfast. Oats are definitely the right choice for your breakfast. With the right toppings, you can turn your breakfast into a real vitamin and mineral bomb! What's more, the glycemic index of porridge is low, which means that your blood sugar and insulin levels do not rise quickly, giving you better blood sugar control.
What makes almond milk so healthy?
If you've been looking for milk alternatives for a while, you've probably already heard of almond milk or even bought almond milk. It's a particularly good alternative to regular cow's milk – it's considered healthy because it's a rich source of important nutrients and vitamins, but at the same time it's very low in calories.
Almond milk contains important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. So if you prepare your porridge with almond milk, you'll start the day with the nutrients you need! Almond milk also has a low fat content. Compared to other types of milk, almond milk contains less fat, which can be beneficial for people who want to watch their fat intake.
Furthermore, almond milk is rich in healthy fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acids are abundant in almond milk, which can be particularly good for heart health. Almond milk is also lactose- and gluten-free, making it a good drink for people with food intolerances.
The high fiber content of almond milk also makes it very good for your digestion. In addition, a high fiber density increases your feeling of satiety and prevents food cravings. Drinking almond milk can also lower your cholesterol level and improve blood sugar regulation – perfect for people who need to watch it.
Almond milk is a perfect dairy substitute
What are the disadvantages of cow's milk compared to almond milk?
Cow's milk is still the most widely consumed milk source in the world. Many people swear by drinking milk. However, there are also some disadvantages that should be considered when consuming cow's milk.
Lactose intolerance is a phenomenon that affects more and more people. It can cause bloating, diarrhea or abdominal pain after consuming cow's milk. Many people also suffer from a milk protein allergy, which can lead to symptoms such as itching, rashes, breathing difficulties or anaphylaxis.
Cow's milk has a very high fat content and contains saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, which can lead to an increased body fat percentage if consumed regularly. People with kidney problems or impaired kidney function should avoid cow's milk because it has a very high potassium content.
Regular consumption of cow's milk can also lead to hormonal imbalances, as regular cow's milk contains estrogen and progesterone. The production of cow's milk also requires a large amount of water, land and energy, and contributes to the production of 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 try to find milk alternatives that work for you.
Here's how to prepare porridge with almond milk: step-by-step instructions.
So you don't feel overwhelmed by the preparation of oatmeal, we have a step-by-step guide to making the creamiest, most delicious oatmeal for breakfast:
- Get the ingredients ready: you will need oats, almond milk, water, and toppings of your choice, such as fruit, nuts, honey, or cinnamon.
- Put the oats and water in a saucepan: Add 1 cup of rolled oats and 2 cups of water to a medium saucepan.
- Bring to the boil: Place the saucepan on the stove and heat the water and oats over a medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the water begins to boil.
- Reduce heat: Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium and continue to simmer the porridge until it is thick and creamy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don't forget to stir every now and then.
- Add almond milk: Once the porridge is thick and creamy, remove from the heat and slowly add 1 cup of almond milk. Stir the milk in well to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the porridge.
If this preparation sounds too time-consuming and you're generally not a morning person, don't despair! Overnight oats are perfect for you. Simply put the oats and almond milk in the fridge the night before. The rest will take care of itself! The oats will absorb the milk overnight, giving you a quick and creamy porridge as soon as you get up. The nutritional value and minerals are exactly the same as in the “warm” version.
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Variations and ingredients for an even better vegan porridge with almond milk
Porridge has become a daily companion for many of us. To keep your porridge adventure from getting boring, we have a few tips for you to spice up your daily breakfast.
Fresh fruit is probably the most obvious topping for your porridge. Whether you go for berries like blueberries or raspberries, apples or bananas, there are no limits and you can experiment to your heart's content. Nuts and seeds are also an important part of a delicious oatmeal. They add valuable protein, fats and other nutrients that are not found in your oatmeal. Chia seeds, flax seeds, cashews, almonds or hazelnuts are particularly suitable for this.
Honey or syrup are perfect for giving your porridge the sweetness it needs. Whether it's honey, agave syrup or maple syrup, they all help to make your porridge sweeter. A pinch of cinnamon can help too! Chocolate or cocoa powder will give you similar results. However, it is important to be careful with the dosage. Too much sugar can get in the way of your goals. Various other spices such as vanilla or cardamom will also make your porridge more interesting and even more delicious.
When it comes to toppings, the sky's the limit. If you're willing to experiment, you'll never get bored with porridge!
Porridge with almond milk – a summary
Porridge with almond milk is a very healthy alternative to regular cow's milk.
The oats can also help you lose weight and are very effective at preventing cravings. For athletes, oats can be a real boost in the morning and give you plenty of energy for workouts – whether before or after! Whether you prefer warm porridge or maybe overnight oats with oats, you will never get bored. With its many different preparation methods and toppings, you can eat oats every day, but you never have to make the same thing as the day before.
Oats are and will remain the local superfood – and that won't change anytime soon! There is no clear answer to the question of whether porridge with almond milk is the healthiest option. However, we can definitely say that, unlike cow's milk, there are clear advantages and that is another reason why you should consider leaving out normal cow's milk.
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