Winter Warmers - 1 - Plucky Porridge

As we draw closer to Christmas, I thought it would be good to share some soothing winter recipes and ideas for you to soothe your gut in these harsher months. This is the first in the series of our winter warmers.

Now, when it gets into the colder months in the UK, there’s one meal that I wake up excited to eat. Warm porridge, a spoon of almond butter melting on top, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and a sprinkle of hemp seeds. Simple, balanced, satisfying.

Porridge is like a hug for your gut. Slow-releasing oats keep blood sugar steady and energy even, and a warmth that soothes you. Then comes the almond butter - rich in healthy fats and a little protein hit to keep you full all morning. The honey or maple syrup add just enough sweetness, but these are added sparingly and not daily. And hemp seeds? Tiny powerhouses. They’re full of omega-3s and plant protein, gentle on digestion, and great for skin and hormones too.

If I’m extra hungry, I’ll add a couple of boiled eggs on the side. They’re clean protein, easy to digest, and give me a good protein kick to the start of my day helping me feel satiated all the way through to lunch.

I pair it all with a Matcha green tea which is balanced in caffeine and L-theanine meaning I don't get the jitters or crash after. It's also loaded with beneficial polyphenols which can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation - always handy when dealing with a long-standing illness.

This breakfast never leaves me sluggish or bloated. It’s real food, simple ingredients, and gives balanced energy. It can be tricky if my gut is in a fragile space, in which case I will leave the honey and hemp seeds but otherwise this is a reliable, healthy, good for your gut breakfast that I rely on most days. Enjoy.