A hearty bowl of porridge may sound like a healthy way to start the day, but under new Government guidelines it’s classed as junk food — although it depends which type you choose.
The Government’s new ultra-strict ban on junk food advertising has sparked outrage on social media, with many rallying against the ‘confusing’ rules that list foods like porridge, muesli and some yoghurts as unhealthy.
These products will be banned from commercials that air before 9pm on television, and axed online ads completely.
But if the foods we considered to be a healthy start to the day are not, what should we choose instead?
Rob Hobson, registered nutritionist and author of ‘Unprocess Your Family Life’, strongly disagrees with claims porridge is an unhealthy breakfast choice.
‘It is a source of protein and fibre which is what you want from a breakfast,’ Mr Hobson told MailOnline.
However, not all porridge is created equal and some varieties contain a lot of added sugar.
He explained that it’s not plain rolled oats that are the problem, but instant porridge pots and sachets that are sweetened with added sugar.
Instead of eating instant pots, Mr Hobson suggests people opt for making their own oats with milk and topping it with some chopped fruit or dried fruit or some nuts and seeds for a healthy breakfast
Instant pots contain oat flakes, milk powder, sugar and added flavourings like freeze dried berries can contain as much as 13g of sugar (three teaspoons) in a 55g pot.
NHS guidance states the average adult should have no more than 30g or seven teaspoons of added sugar per day.
This is both due to the risks of tooth decay and the fact sugary foods are unlikely to keep you full for long, leading to hunger pangs between meals.
Instead of eating instant pots, Mr Hobson suggested making your own cooked oats with milk and topping it with some freshly chopped fruit for sweetness.
Other products in the cereal aisle that fall under the ban include some oat-based granolas.
Granola is often assumed to be healthy, but in fact many products contain dried fruit and even chocolate, which can ramp up the sugar count, Mr Hobson said.
Children’s cereals are quite-rightly banned too: products in brightly coloured packaging are also often high in sugar.
For example, popular Frosties contains almost three teaspoons of sugar per 30g bowl.
Rob Hobson, registered nutritionist and author of ‘Unprocess Your Family Life’, says breakfast is a good opportunity to get lots of fibre in your diet
As for other examples of what you should be eating, Mr Hobson described eggs as the ‘ultimate breakfast food’.
He said: ‘They are a source of protein that can help to keep you full. They’re also a source of nearly all of the micronutrients that you need.’
Pairing eggs with wholemeal toast would be the best choice for a boost of fibre, which has been shown to reduce the risk of bowel cancer, he concluded.
However, if you are not a fan of eggs or usually crave a sweet breakfast in the morning, yoghurt and fruit also ticks the boxes of what makes a healthy breakfast.
Mr Hobson suggested eating Greek yoghurt topped with berries for added sweetness, as well as perhaps some seeds and nuts for extra fibre.
Here, you will be getting protein from the yoghurt that will keep you full until lunchtime.
