Oats are incredible nutritious and are an important source of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. This naturally Gluten-free wholegrain is exceptionally filling, which may even help with weight loss.
According to Harvard University’s website, whole grain consumption with fewer deaths from inflammatory and infectious causes, excluding cardiac and cancer causes. Reference: [Jacobs DR, Jr., Andersen LF, Blomhoff R. Whole-grain consumption is associated with a reduced risk of noncardiovascular, noncancer death attributed to inflammatory diseases in the Iowa Women’s Health Study.]
WebMD also states that to reduce the risk of death from all causes by 15%, you should choose whole grains whenever you can.
I mean no disrespect to Paleo and Keto dieters. I recognize those diets have a valuable place and their own benefits.
The other day I had TV on in the background where a chef was preparing these beautiful pastries. I love pastries and have nothing against them. That is until she said that those pastries make an excellent breakfast on the go. Really? A beautiful delicious occasional indulgence? Sure. A great addition to a brunch party? Absolutely! But a great breakfast on the go option? In my humble opinion, absolutely not! This is when I got inspired to share a recipe for the overnight oats. Which truly is (for as long as grains are not restricted on your diet) a great breakfast on the go option. It’s easy to make, it’s ready in the morning, it’s delicious, nutritious and if you don’t have time to eat it at home, just take it with you to enjoy for when you get to work!
Last thing. There’s no need for a recipe. All you need to know is 2:2:1. Simple ratio by volume that allows you to scale the recipe up or down as many times as you like. 2 parts (cups in this case) old-fashioned oats, 2 parts (cups) milk and 1 part (cup) yogurt. Add whatever you like (although I do find chia seeds quite necessary for the texture,) sweeten them with some honey/maple syrup or don’t sweeten them at all, add some fresh fruit, nuts, seeds. The options are countless!
Combine oats, milk, yogurt and a pinch of salt. Stir. Stir in honey/maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla, if using. Divide between 4 jars or containers. Refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, stir the oats and top with additions of choice. Enjoy.
I don't recommend adding fruit or nuts when you just make the oats. Keep them separately and add right before serving.
These will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Ingredients
Directions
Combine oats, milk, yogurt and a pinch of salt. Stir. Stir in honey/maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla, if using. Divide between 4 jars or containers. Refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, stir the oats and top with additions of choice. Enjoy.
I don't recommend adding fruit or nuts when you just make the oats. Keep them separately and add right before serving.
These will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Make it Gluten-Free: Oats are Gluten-Free, however, they can often be contaminated with gluten by being processed in the same facility as grains containing Gluten. So ensure to purchase 100% Gluten-Free oats free of any contamination.
Make it Vegan: Use 1.5 cup of nut milk of choice for every 1 cup of oats, instead of regular milk and yogurt combination. Do not use honey, sweeten with maple syrup, if needed. Increase chia seeds to 1/3 – 1/2 cup, which will help thicken the oats.
Make it Dairy-Free: Use 1.5 cup of nut milk of choice for every 1 cup of oats, instead of regular milk and yogurt combination. Increase chia seeds to 1/3 – 1/2 cup, which will help thicken the oats.
Happens to be Vegetarian.
