The Breakfast of (Swiss) Champions?

Birchermuesli Recipe

When in Switzerland, do as the Swiss do...

Pretty much everyday, without fail I wake up to a piping hot bowl of porridge. I love the stuff, really love it. But the seasons have now changed, the mornings are bright and sunny and the last thing I feel like consuming is my trusty bowl of hot oats. I always dread this time of the year as it means trying to find a breakfast cereal only to then get bored of it and move on to the next, get bored of that etc...It's a vicious cereal circle.

But I think I have found a solution. Perusing the shelves of my local supermarket I came across the phenomenon that is: Birchermuesli. I liked the concept, pretty much museli and yoghurt. It does not look pretty, at least my version of it doesn't; I would liken it to a bowl of medieval gruel. However, appearances are certainly not everything in Birchermuesli's case, do not judge this book by its cover. The Swiss seem to love it and it appears to be the breakfast of choice for many; I wonder if it is the morning fuel for Roger Federer or Nicola Spirig...? Many also eat it as a light evening dish.

I often liken eating a bowl of muesli to chewing on a mouthful of wood chips, it does not always make for the tastiest breakfast and frankly can be a bit of a struggle at times. With Birchermuesli this is not so. It has a much lighter consistency, almost creamy as the milk, yoghurt and apple juice break down and soften the muesli literally making it easier to digest.

Like most foods, I prefer to make my own, knowing exactly what is going into it. Therefore I have included the recipe I use to make Birchermuesli each morning. It's so easy to make and is great fuel for endurance before an early morning workout. I have found that it sustains me for my long rides and runs perfectly.

Nutrition Lowdown

Birchermuesli will provide you with a good balance of nutrients. The oats will provide slow-burning carbohydrate and alongside the fruit will give you fibre and help lower cholesterol.

Nuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

The milk and yoghurt provide some protein.

Depending on what fruit you use or is included in the muesli you will gain a vitamin hit.

Recipe (serves 1)

Muesli

Milk

Splash of Apple Juice

Cinnamon

Apple chopped

Natural Yoghurt

1. Pour the amount of muesli you wish to consume in a dish and cover it almost completely with milk.

2. Add a splash of apple juice. You can experiment with the ratio of milk and apple juice until it suits your taste. Mix in a small sprinkle of cinnamon.

3. Leave for a couple of hours. I usually cover and leave mine in the fridge overnight.

4. When you are ready to eat, chop up an apple and sprinkle on the top. You can add pretty much any fruit you fancy such as bananas, blueberries, strawberries etc.

5. Add a dollop of natural yoghurt and mix in. If you prefer your Birchermuesli to have added crunch, sprinkle some mixed seeds and nuts in.