Overnight Oats – A filling nutritious and tasty breakfast

Have you made healthier eating a part of your New Year plan? If so you should definitely try this healthy, hearty breakfast. A friend introduced me to overnight oats and I have to say I’m hooked.

First, it’s the easiest breakfast ever. There’s nothing to cook; you make it the night before in under 5 minutes, and when you wake up, it’s there waiting. All you have to do is eat it!

The basic recipe is very adaptable; you can do so many different things with it.

I tend to eat mine cold but if you like things hot, heat them up in the microwave

Oats help to reduce cholesterol and are a whole, unprocessed source of carbohydrates, which release energy slowly so are a great start to the day.

Basic Overnight Oats Ingredients

1/2 cup dry oats (the actual cup size doesn’t really matter. It’s about proportions…just use a bigger cup if you have a bigger appetite)

1 cup of unsweetened milk (I like almond milk but cows’ milk, soya milk, plain yoghurt or a mix of yoghurt and milk is all good)

Fruit of choice (fresh, frozen or even tinned)

1 tbsp chia seeds or ground flax seeds (optional but good for healthy omega 3 fats)

Nuts (optional)

Method

  1. Combine everything into an airtight bowl or jar (I leave nuts out as I like them crunchy)

 

  1. Leave in the fridge overnight
  2. Eat in the morning! You can heat them if you like.

Variations:

Fruit: apples, banana, nectarines, blueberries, strawberries, figs, redcurrants (most fruits taste great).

Flavourings: flaked or desiccated coconut, ground almonds.

Sweeteners: If you have a sweet tooth you can add maple syrup, honey or jam. My kids experimented with chocolate milk too – lovely with bananas.

Healthy fats: flax, nuts, nut butters

Toppings to add in the morning: granola, nuts, raisins, sour cherries, additional fruit, chocolate chunks