The TV presenter shared some of his secrets following a fitness overhaul before he turned 50 earlier this month
Ben Shephard has been a household name for decades. The ITV regular has recently let his fans into his health secrets that keep him looking and feeling young since hitting a major milestone.
The Tipping Point host answered various questions about his health and fitness goals, which he had set out to achieve before turning 50 on December 11. The dad-of-two kept his fans updated using social media to hold himself accountable.
As part of a Q&A with his followers on Instagram, Ben was asked about his go-to breakfast choices. He said: “I get some porridge and I will add protein powder.”
He also added that he drinks black coffee on the side. A perfect warming breakfast, millions enjoy porridge around the world due to its simplicity as well as the endless amount of custom combinations to add extra flavour.
The basic breakfast staple isn’t expensive. You can grab some of Aldi’s Everyday Essential Porridge Oats for 90p, with a 1kg bag costing around 9p per bowl.
Porridge is high in fibre and protein, which can help you feel fuller for longer, leading you to consume fewer calories and snacks. This could potentially result in weight loss and make staying at a healthy weight manageable. Porridge also helps maintain energy levels as it contains magnesium and vitamin B6, reducing tiredness.
Experts at the British Heart Foundation report that porridge oats are whole grains. They all contain a soluble fibre called beta-glucan, which can help lower your cholesterol level if you eat 3g or more of it daily as part of a healthy diet. A study found links between eating whole grains, like porridge, and a reduced risk of heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
If you’re following Ben’s exact meal, with added protein, then there’s one thing to consider doing first. Some claim that it’s best to dissolve the protein powder in water before adding it to cooked oats as it stops any chunky, mushy or watery textures from forming.
Boosting your protein count has its own set of benefits—and it’s not just for those looking to bulk up and build muscle. In fact, it can just as easily help support those trying to do the opposite and lose weight.
By meeting your individual protein target, your body will stop producing ghrelin – a hormone that makes you want to eat. Instead, it will actually produce more appetite-reducing hormones that tell your body it’s time to step away from the plate and curb snack cravings, too.
Despite the benefits of porridge and protein powder, they aren’t a magic solution to completely losing weight. They are best eaten alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise for optimal results.
