Ode to Overnight Oats

As you’ve probably noticed, I like oatmeal. Just a tad, it’s not like I eat it everyday or anything.

But yes, I’m a HUGE fan of stove top oats and I’ll eat instant in a pinch, however, overnight oats are even better than instant oats, are easy to prepare and are perfect for an on-the-go breakfast.

Just to clear up a few things – overnight oats are simply plain rolled oats (not instant) that soak up liquid overnight in the fridge. You can use any type and combination of liquid ingredients you like, but my favorite is unsweetened vanilla almond milk and sometimes yogurt.

One week when I knew I’d have some busy mornings with yoga sessions and AM gym visits I planned accordingly and prepped some different overnight oats variations to try.

Traditional Overnight Oats

• 1/2 cup oatmeal (old fashioned oats)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 tablespoon of raisins
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

I put the above ingredients into bowl, mixed them all together, covered the bowl with cling wrap, and put it in the fridge for the night.

The next morning I took the bowl of oats from the fridge, gave them a quick stir, and let them sit out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. I topped the messy mixture with 1/2 of a sliced banana, sprinkled on some cashews, and ate up. It tasted like soggy cereal, only it was chewy, sweet, and quite delicious. I loved the lemon zest. It really added a nice flavor to the bowl.

Since I enjoyed my first overnight creation I decided to give it another go- this time with some different ingredients.

Cool, Creamy Overnight Oats

• 1/2 cup oatmeal (old fashioned)
• 1/2 cup almond milk (unsweetened vanilla)
• 1/4 cup honey or vanilla yogurt
• 1 T chia seeds
• Dash of cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mix well, cover, and let sit in the fridge overnight. That’s it! Wake up, top the mixture with you favorite toppings and enjoy.

Come to find out overnight oats are addicting- especially when topped with fresh cherries and a blob of almond butter.

Another Bowl

• 1/2 cup oatmeal (old fashioned oats)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 tablespoon raisins
• 1 tablespoon Sun Warrior vanilla brown rice protein powder (Isaac’s mom gave me a sample of hers so I could try it)
• 1/2 tablespoon raw cacao powder
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

I put the above ingredients into bowl, mixed them all together in a transportable tupperware container, and put it in the fridge for the night.

I took it out of fridge after getting home from the gym, topped it with 1/2 of a sliced banana, and took it to work for a desk breakfast.

I liked the addition of the protein powder- it helped to soak up some of the liquid and made for a thicker mixture. I didn’t love the combination of lemon zest and raw cacao so next time I’ll either use one or the other as both are fabulous alone.

After having 2 days of filling, convenient and delicious breakfasts I decided to make another bowl for this morning.

Today’s Bowl

• 1/2 cup oatmeal (old fashioned oats)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 tablespoon raisins
• 1 tsp maca powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 3 drops of liquid stevia

I put the above ingredients into bowl, mixed them all together in a transportable tupperware container, and put it in the fridge for the night.

All packed for work with a clementine and some nuts

Overall, my 3 day experimentation with overnight oats has been a fun one. At first I didn’t think I would be up for eating cold oats, but I actually liked it straight from the fridge or at room temperature. I’m pumped though because now I have a new breakfast idea for the days I know I’m going to be pressed for time. The best part is that, just like with stove-top oats, the possibilities for mix-ins and toppings are endless so I won’t get bored easily. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge so the process can be streamlined by making a double/triple batch for multiple days! The more I think about it, the more I’m loving this “new to me” breakfast!

Other edibles consumed lately include left over Quinoa Chickpea Confetti Casserole, which I had for dinner and lunch yesterday.

Just as delicious and flavorful as the first night!

A tofurkey and veggie pita with spicy sabra hummus and honey mustard. <3

Raw veggies and spicy Sabra.

A Divine Grape Synergy Kombucha that I purchased from my local Whole Foods with coupons sent to me from Millennium. This was my first time trying the grape flavor and I have to admit it is pretty divine and it’s now made it to one of my top Synergy flavs.

Enjoy your humpday and let me know if you plan try your hand at overnight oats. I promise the cold factor isn’t that bad.

- Brittany

Tagged as: overnight oats, Quinoa Chickpea Confetti Casserole, SYNERGY