Have You Heard of Overnight Oats? Here Is Why You Should Try It Today!

What is it?

Overnight oats is basically uncooked oats – a way of eating oats without cooking it first. By soaking oatmeal overnight, it becomes softer and easier to digest. It’s also convenient. You prepare your oatmeal mix in the evenings, and your breakfast is ready in the morning. If you make it in a jar, it’s also a great on-the-go breakfast (for those that lost the battle with the snooze button). Oatmeal is one of the healthiest breakfast options out there. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and keeps you fuller for longer so you don’t feel like snacking all day.

What do I need?

To get started, you only need a few basic ingredients. Once you see how it works, you can start adding extras according to your taste. It’s best to use rolled oats – it’s less processed and won’t become mushy overnight. You can use any type of milk: cow’s milk, almond milk, or soy. If you want a creamier texture, you can add yoghurt too. Finally, you can add a dash of honey or maple syrup if you like your oatmeal a bit sweeter. The ratio (for the basic recipe) of oats to milk to yoghurt is 2:2:1. Yoghurt is optional, so if you leave it out, you just use equal parts oats and milk. If you want to add chia seeds (which gives the oats a great texture), you must add it to the mix before it goes in the fridge. Chia seeds need time to soak up the moisture and become plump.

How do I make it?

Overnight oats is very simple to make. Add your oats, milk, and yoghurt, and chia seeds (if using) to a small jar or bowl, and mix through. Add with your optional extras, put on a lid, and leave overnight. If you are using banana, apple, or berries, it’s best to add these in the morning before you eat it, so they don’t become brown or mushy.

Flavor combinations

There are many ways to get creative with your overnight oats. Toppings can include fruits (fresh or dried), nuts (pecan, almonds, macadamia), spices (cinnamon is a favorite!), seeds (sunflower gives a nice crunch), coconut flakes, cacao nibs, nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.), coffee, and many more! You can also make it high protein by adding a scoop of protein powder. Here are a few combinations to get you started:

PB and J Sandwich: To your basic mix, add peanut butter and fresh strawberries. Top with peanuts.

Taste of Fall: Add chopped apples, pecans, maple syrup, and cinnamon to your basic mix. If you like raisins, you can add them here too.

Nutty Banana: This might not be the healthiest one, but it sure is delicious. Add sliced bananas and a spoonful of Nutella to your mix…and enjoy! We think it’s best if you leave this one for the weekends!

Banana bread: Add sliced banana, a pinch of cinnamon, and walnuts to your basic mix.

Carrot Cake: To your basic mix, add a few tablespoons of shredded carrot, walnuts, and a pinch of cinnamon.

Pineapple: Use coconut milk, and add chopped pineapple to your basic mix.

Remember you can prepare your toppings the night before, so you only need to add them the next morning!

Have you tried overnight oats? Tell us in the comments below!