Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, High in Protein
It was recently my 21st birthday, resulting in an indulgent few weeks involving lots of sugary and fatty foods. A few weeks and a few too many cakes later, I need to get back on track.
My key tip to a maintaining a healthy lifestyle is always a good breakfast. Having a good wholesome breakfast full of protein, carbs and healthy fats, not only keeps you fuller for longer but sets you up for a great start to the day, providing you with energy to get up and make the day your own.
My go-to get back on track breakfast is Quinoa Porridge.
Quinoa, pronounced KEEN-wah, is gluten-free, high in fibre and high protein grain. During the Incan Empire, it was referred to it as the “mother of all grains” and believed it to be sacred.
Nowadays, it’s hailed as a “Superfood”. Quinoa is a great choice (especially for Vegans and Veggies) as its high in protein and unlike other grains, contains all the essential amino acids, so is a “complete” protein. Quinoa also contains antioxidants which help to reduce inflammation and a portion contains 30% of your RDA for magnesium and 15% of Iron (both essential during your time of the month).
What I love about this recipe is the ability to mix and match and adjust the recipe to your preferences. Today, I had a chai spiced quinoa breakfast with raspberries, chia seeds, yoghurt and a bid drizzle of almond butter. Other times I love the indulgence of adding a teaspoon of cacao powder and having a chocolatey treat. Another favourite of mine is lemon and coconut quinoa porridge.
Feel free to experiment with any combinations and let me know how you get on.
Serves 1
| 30g-45g | Quinoa or Flaked Quinoa |
| 150ml | Milk of Choice (I use almond milk) |
| 150ml | Water |
| ½ tsp | Desired Spices (Usually, Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg and occasionally turmeric or vanilla) |
| 40g+ | Fruit of Choice (Raspberries, Strawberries, Blueberries, Banana, Lemon and apples all work well) |
| Pinch of salt | |
Optional add-ins
10g Nuts (I usually use pecans or Almonds)
If you’re feeling adventurous, grate half a courgette in. Adds double the volume for an extra 10 calories.
Cacao powder if you want an indulgent chocolatey feast
20g of Protein Powder for an added protein kick (I usually use Pea protein but Whey works well too)
Optional Toppings- Mix and Match to your heart’s content
Nut butter (I always choose almond butter!)
Dollop of yoghurt
Mixed Seeds
Drizzle of Agave syrup, Honey, Date Syrup, Choc Shot or another sweetener
More fruit
Desiccated coconut
Chocolate buttons or pure cacao melts luxuriously on top
How to:
Place the milk, water, spices, quinoa and pinch of salt in a saucepan on a medium heat.
Pop the lid on and let it simmer, stirring occasionally.
Cook until a preferred porridge consistency (I like mine thick). With standard quinoa, this will take about 25 mins but flaked quinoa will take less than 10 mins.
Transfer to a bowl and go wild with toppings
Enjoy
