A nice bowl of oatmeal may seem like a healthy way to start the day, but according to new government guidelines it is classified as junk food – although it depends on the type you choose.
The Government’s ultra-strict new ban on junk food advertising has sparked outrage on social media, with many speaking out against “confusing” rules that list foods such as porridge, muesli and some yoghurts as unhealthy.
These products will be banned from commercials airing before 9 pm on television and online ads will be removed completely.
But if the foods that we considered healthy to start the day are not, what should we choose?
Rob Hobson, registered nutritionist and author of ‘Unprocess Your Family Life’, disagrees with claims that porridge is an unhealthy breakfast option.
“It’s a source of protein and fibre, which is what you need in a breakfast,” Hobson told MailOnline.
However, not all porridge is the same and some varieties contain a lot of added sugar.
He explained that the problem is not rolled oats, but instant porridge and bags sweetened with added sugar.
Instead of reaching for Instant Pots, Hobson suggests people opt to make their own oatmeal with milk and top it with some chopped fruit or dried fruit or some nuts and seeds for a healthy breakfast.
Instant Pots contain rolled oats, milk powder, sugar and added flavorings, such as freeze-dried berries which can contain up to 13g of sugar (three teaspoons) in a 55g pot.
NHS guidance states that the average adult should consume no more than 30g or seven teaspoons of added sugar per day.
This is due to both the risk of cavities and the fact that sugary foods are unlikely to keep you full for long, leading to feelings of hunger between meals.
Instead of eating Instant Pots, Hobson suggested making your own oatmeal cooked with milk and topping it with some freshly chopped fruit for sweetness.
Other products in the cereal aisle that are subject to the ban include some oat-based granolas.
Granola is often assumed to be healthy, but in reality many products contain dried fruits and even chocolate, which can increase sugar levels, Hobson said.
Children’s cereals are also rightly banned: products with brightly colored packaging are also often high in sugar.
For example, the popular Frosties contain 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 plenty of fiber into your diet.
As for other examples of what you should eat, Hobson described eggs as the “best breakfast food.”
He said: “They are a source of protein that can help keep you full.” They are also a source of almost all the micronutrients you need.’
Combining eggs with whole wheat toast would be the best option to increase fiber, which has been shown to reduce the risk of bowel cancer, he concluded.
However, if you’re not a fan of eggs or typically crave a sweet breakfast in the morning, yogurt and fruit also fit the bill for what constitutes a healthy breakfast.
Hobson suggested eating Greek yogurt topped with berries for extra sweetness, as well as perhaps some seeds and nuts for more fiber.
Here you will get protein from the yogurt that will keep you full until lunch time.