Be it a longrun or a running competition, it always brings to my mind a cornmeal or semolina porridge. It’s a quick and easy to digest breakfast, giving a kick of good energy. After such a warming meal I can jump in my running clothes and set off immediately.
WHY CORNMEAL
I made a cornmeal porridge one morning by accident. I run out of semolina and needed a really quick breakfast before running. I remembered that cornmeal has very similar cooking time, but I was a little afraid that the taste of cornmeal porridge will be more pronounced – quite unnecessarily.
Cornmeal has the essential advantage over semolina – it’s gluten free, the protein contained in it (8%) doesn’t contain tryptophan, which could cause the allergic reactions. Additionally, it contains lutein, beneficial to the eyes, as well as vitamins B1, PP and E that lower bad cholesterol, improve metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates and fats and relieve stress. Cornmeal, like all other cereals contains fiber, giving a feeling of satiety and helping cleanse our digestive system. At the same time it is very easy to digest, so it relatively quickly releases the energy we need.
Cornmeal contains less fiber and protein from semolina, but it’s exactly what we need just before the start – a quicker release of energy. Moreover, vitamins B1, PP and E enhance the metabolism of energy during effort.
RECIPE
„Cornmeal” porridge is quick in making and can be enriched with any extras, similar to oatmeal. It will be a very good meal before long or heavy training, quickly releasing a large amount of energy without burdening the stomach.
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 tbsp (ca. 60 g) cornmeal
- 1 cup milk
- favorite seasoning or spices (eg. cinnamon, ginger, cocoa)
- favorite extras (eg. desiccated coconut, mixed dried fruit and nuts, fruit slices)
- sweetener (sugar/honey/other)
PREPARATION:
- Pour the milk into a pot, sweeten, add any spices and bring to a boil.
- When the milk boils, pour slowly corn grits, stirring vigorously all the time.
- Reduce the heat or turn the heat off completely and stir until mixture thickens.
- Add favorite extras (nuts, dried fruit, fruit slices) and serve.
