Ben Shephard, a familiar face on ITV, has recently shared his filling breakfast choice. It’s just one of the healthy habits that helps maintain his youthful appearance, trim figure and vitality. The Tipping Point presenter recently spoke about some of his fitness objectives, which he aimed to achieve before his 50th birthday on December 11. To keep himself on track, the dad-of-two regularly posted updates on social media for accountability.
During an Instagram Q&A session with his followers, Ben was asked about his preferred breakfast options. He said: “I get some porridge and I will add protein powder.” Additionally, he mentioned that he enjoys black coffee alongside it. Porridge is a simple yet comforting meal enjoyed by millions globally. It is very versatile, and the combination of flavours that can be added to enhance it are endless.
Not only is this breakfast essential budget-friendly – Aldi’s Everyday Essential Porridge Oats are available at just 90p for a bag, working out to approximately 9p per serving – but it’s also nutritious. Packed with fibre and protein, porridge aids in satiety, potentially leading to reduced calorie intake and snacking, which may help with weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. It’s a source of sustained energy, too, due to its magnesium and vitamin B6 content, helping to alleviate tiredness.
According to experts at the British Heart Foundation, porridge oats are whole grains and contain a soluble fibre called beta-glucan. Consuming 3g or more of whole grains daily as part of a healthy diet can help lower your cholesterol level. Research has found connections between eating whole grains, like porridge, and a reduced risk of heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
Increasing your protein intake has its own benefits, and it’s not just for those looking to bulk up and build muscle. In fact, it can also support those trying to lose weight. By meeting your individual protein target, your body will stop producing ghrelin – a hormone that makes you feel hungry. Instead, it will produce more appetite-reducing hormones that tell your body it’s time to stop eating and curb snack cravings, helping you reduce calories and potentially lose weight.
If you’re following Ben’s exact meal with added protein, there’s one thing you might want to do first. Some suggest dissolving the protein powder in water before adding it to cooked oats to prevent lumpy, mushy or watery textures from forming. However, despite the benefits of porridge and protein powder, they aren’t a magic solution to weight loss. They are best consumed as part of a balanced diet and regular exercise for optimal results.
Source: Gloucestershire Live
