How to Have a Good (Low FODMAP) Morning

I don't know about you but it feels like it's been winter in the UK forEVER!  I have got so used to grey, dreary mornings, and I have to say my breakfast choices have been stuck in an equally uninspiring rut.

To combat this I am trying to make a bit of an effort, when I can, to have a breakfast to look forward to.  The key to this is planning.  It's very easy to just resort to a bowl of cornflakes with almond milk, or a bowl of porridge made with water, when you are short on time.  However, with just a bit of preparation, it's possible to bring a bit of sunshine to your morning, even though it is grey and damp outside.

* Overnight Oats
 The downside of this suggestion is that you need to know the night before that you might fancy overnight oats in the morning.  The upside, is when you wake up, breakfast is ready!  They are simple to make and you can use whatever low FODMAP fruit you have to hand.  Frozen blueberries work well, or strawberries and raspberries.  I probably wouldn't use banana as it would go brown overnight, but you could always add this when you serve.  The frozen fruits defrost in the fridge, and the oats soak up whatever low FODMAP liquid you use.  Personally I tend to use almond milk, but you could use whatever you prefer.  If it needs a little sweetening, you can add some maple syrup when you serve.

*  Porridge Bowl
A less prepared alternative to the overnight oats, is the "I want oats now" Porridge Bowl.  This is a good one if you don't want a hot breakfast, but have run out of another low FODMAP cereal.  I start with a cup full of oats, and put this on one side of a bowl.  I then add something like Greek Yoghurt or another lactose free yoghurt.  Next, whatever fruit you have around.  Add some lactose free milk to soften the oats slightly more.  A drizzle of maple syrup if you're feeling naughty, and you're away!

*  Smoothie
Another good choice, as long as you are ok with a lot of fruit in high concentration.  Balance the fruit in your smoothie with oats, lactose free yoghurt or milk (or both!) and you'll have a filling, and fruity, smoothie in a flash.

*  Low FODMAP Pancakes
It always surprises me how simple pancakes are, though admittedly, they are relegated to weekends when everyone isn't rushing out of the door.  Use gluten free flour, lactose free milk and an egg and you are away.  Just find your favourite pancake recipe and sub as required.  Squirty cream is low FODMAP so go for it with sliced unripe bananas, if you fancy a treat!  Alternately stick with sugar and lemon juice for a refreshing yet satisfying start to the day.

*  A Nice Cup of Coffee
Some mornings, let's face it, a healthy, low FODMAP breakfast is not always achievable.  There are also mornings where only a nice coffee will do, even though I have to be careful not to drink too many.  Milk alternatives aren't always great in coffee (either sinking to the bottom, or just tasting urgh...)  I've learnt that, even though I don't like cow's milk, I do like a white coffee.  I've started keeping Lactofree cow's milk in so that I can indulge my coffee fix occasionally.  I have also discovered that Oatly Barista is A-Ma-Zing in coffee.  I discovered this while out in a cafe one morning, and am seriously considering bulk buying it to recreate at home.  For now though, I will manage with my lactose free lattes at home; when I'm not creating colourful breakfasts, that is.