Making sure you eat breakfast is a lot easier with prep work the night before. You may have seen recipes all over the internet by now, and there's a reason. Overnight oats refers to softening the oats by soaking them for a few hours (or overnight, get it?), so there's no need for cooking. I've included a "base" recipe, and then a few of my favorite combinations of add-ins. I love how easy this recipe is for using what you've got on hand and for using seasonal flavors. A bowl of this hearty, healthy, delicious breakfast will leave you satisfied until lunchtime!
The Nutrition Rundown: The type of fiber found in oats, known as "soluble fiber", keeps your heart healthy by helping to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol. That same fiber also helps you feel full and satisfied! Chia seeds add omega-3 fats, and, of course, nothing beats a serving of fruit at breakfast for a vitamin boost!
Overnight Oats
Makes 2 Servings
The Base
1 cup rolled oats
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| Nutrition Facts based on Base + 1/2 cup fruit |
1 Tablespoon chia seeds (found at many supermarkets and most healthfood stores)
1 Tablespoon almond butter or cashew butter
1 cup milk of choice (I use unsweetened soy milk, and that's what the nutrition facts are based on)
The Mix-Ins
1 mashed banana + 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup blueberries + 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup strawberries + 2 Tablespoons peanut butter (substitute it for the almond butter in base recipe)
1/4 cup chopped apple + 1/4 cup pumpkin puree + 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon + 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Directions
Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover bowl and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Serve! (Tip: If you put chopped nuts in your concoction, then add them in the morning of eating...don't leave them overnight to soak).
