You’re not alone if your mornings are busy. For many of us, mornings are filled with early alarms and a rush to get out the door.
In the rush, are you skipping one of the most important morning routines for your health and wellness?
Eating a healthy breakfast is an amazing way to nourish our bodies, but many of us skip it.
Why?
Not having enough time each morning to prepare healthy food is one of the most common reasons why eating a delicious breakfast isn’t a habit for many people.
If that sounds like you or someone you know, today I’m offering an easy healthy recipe that can be prepared the night before – in minutes. This recipe is so quick and versatile, you’ll be inspired to try limitless versions of your own.
The magic (no-hassle) breakfast I’m talking about today?
Overnight Oats!
Overnight Oats are perfectly rich, creamy, and nutritious, and can be eaten chilled right out of the fridge. No cooking necessary!
Soaked oats are naturally rich in fiber, can help regulate digestion, full of vitamins and minerals, and they're easy to digest.
It’s a terrific fast breakfast for on-the-go, and you create it 'pre-poured' in individual containers. Alternatively, you can create a “bulk” prepped portion in a large glass airtight container for your whole family to dish from.
Overnight Oats are made with only a few ingredients you probably already have on hand: Organic old-fashioned oats, plant-based milk, pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (optional).
The concept is simple:
combine the basics in a glass jar
cover
refrigerate overnight
add toppings in the morning if you want
The toppings and additions make each batch unique, increase the nutritional density, and enhance the flavor profile.
I’m sharing 3 topping combination ideas below, with the “base” recipe up front.
I’m sure you’ll be creating your own topping varieties too, so I can’t wait to hear which recipe inspires you! Let’s get started…
OVERNIGHT OATS (+ THREE EASY TOPPING VARIETIES!)
INGREDIENTS FOR BASE (serves 1-2)
1/2 Cup Organic Old-Fashioned oats (uncooked, dry)
1 Cup Unsweetened almond milk (you can also try hemp, coconut, hazelnut, oat, or any other milk of your preference)
1 pinch sea salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 or 2 teaspoons organic maple syrup (add more or less depending on your sweetness preference)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine all the ingredients in a jar large enough to leave 1-2” of space at the top, stir with a spoon, then cover with a tight lid. Glass mason jars (like Bell, Kerr, etc) work really well.
Place in the fridge (ideally, overnight) for 4-8 hours. In the morning, add your favorite toppings and enjoy. No cooking is needed. Tightly sealed, your overnight oats will easily last 3-5 days in the fridge.
HELPFUL TIPS:
don’t use “instant” or “quick cook” oats— it will become too soggy. “Regular” organic “Old-Fashioned” rolled oats is best.
definitely you’ll want to buy organic oats especially, whenever possible. I like these: https://www.naturespath.com/en-us/products/natures-path-foods/old-fashioned-oats/
note that the consistency will thicken upon standing in the fridge overnight
if you like your oats thicker and drier, use less milk. If you like your oats thinner and more runny, add more milk.
different milks may result in different consistencies, so play around, and have fun! See what you personally like the best after a few batches.
for a low sugar option, omit the maple syrup.
VARIETY #1: PEANUT BUTTER + CACAO
- 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter (mix into BASE before refrigerating)
- 1 tsp Cacao Powder (mix into BASE before refrigerating)
- 1 tsp Cacao Nibs (TOPPING)
VARIETY #2: FRESH FRUIT + COCONUT
Use any fresh organic berries (or fruit!) in season, like sliced strawberries, sliced mango, diced peaches, blueberries, huckleberries, blackberries, etc.
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds (mix into BASE before refrigerating)
- 1/4 Cup organic chopped fresh fruit (TOPPING)
- 2 Tbsp toasted coconut flakes (TOPPING)
- additional drizzled sweetener (TOPPING: maple syrup, or local raw honey)
VARIETY #3: POWER PROTEIN
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds (mix into BASE before refrigerating)
- pinch of cinnamon (mix into BASE before refrigerating)
- 1/2 banana, sliced (TOPPING)
- 2 Tbsp raw cashews or pecans (TOPPING)
- 1 Tbsp hemp seeds (TOPPING)
- 1 tsp flax seeds (TOPPING)
- additional drizzled sweetener to taste (TOPPING: maple syrup, or local raw honey)
Ultimately, the options and stylings are endless. Be intuitive with how you create yours. Your personal preferences for consistency, flavors, and sweetness will determine the perfect overnight oats for you.
I hope this eases and calms your upcoming mornings, while allowing you a nutritious breakfast.