If like the world and his wife (and me!) you have started the new year with the best intentions of changing your eating habits (don’t use that horrible word, diet!) I really really recommend starting the day with porridge.
I always think porridge has horrible connotations – gloopy, grey and not very appealing.
I have completely changed my view and since January 2nd have started each day with a beautiful bowlful.
It is a bit of a wonder food and can lower cholesterol, is very high in fibre and all kinds of other things which are good for a healthy heart! Even if you have a busy life, have to be up at the crack of dawn to get to work, it literally takes five minutes to prepare. So while you are waiting for the kettle to boil, you can make yourself a breakfast low in fat but one that will keep you going until lunchtime. I am a great snacker, my downfall, because I never used to really eat breakfast. Now I have cut out all the snacks, with the help of a bowl of porridge. It is soooo easy too. The Scots like to eat porridge made with water and served with salt, sounds ghastly but actually is ok. However, you may prefer my version!
For one bowl
Put one cup of porridge oats into small saucepan and soak in skimmed or semi-skimmed milk for a few seconds. Put on the heat gently and stir for a few minutes. I like mine creamy and so add more skimmed milk so it is not stodgy, but rather like the consistency of rice pudding.
Empty into a breakfast bowl and have a large tablespoon of pomegranate seeds to go with it. If you are not watching the calories, drizzle a teaspoon of maple syrup into the porridge – it is just fantastic. I have all kinds of fruit with mine when I haven’t go pomegranate seeds (which by the way freeze fantastically well if you can be bothered – just take all the seeds out of the skin and put in a freezer bag – you can just scoop a tablespoon out whenever you want them) – half a banana sliced up is divine, raspberries or hot blackberries – whatever you feel like, but I promise you it just feels so good and will keep you from snacking during the morning. I have lost 3lbs in two weeks by cutting out snacks, eating more fruit and vegetables, one glass of red wine a day, not three!!!! And a bit of exercise too. But I swear by starting the day with porridge has given me a kick start. And even though we live in the Spain, the winter mornings can be chilly too! So do give it a try.
Yummy Almeria 
I have porridge every morning in winter and make mine in the microwave, saves on washing up the saucepan!
I do mine in the microwave too – with a handful of sultanas and/or dried cranberries before cooking. I use skimmed milk and make it creamier by adding zero fat fromage frais (queso fresco batido in Spain) when it is cooked.