Easy, healthy and delicious breakfast that's packed with protein, antioxidants, healthy fats and lots of flavor. It's so good you could eat it this breakfast for dessert!
I'm not a big fan of making a production out of breakfast for weekday mornings when I'm running out the door by 6:30am. I also am not a fan of typical grab and go breakfasts that are usually nutritional pitfalls. That's why overnight oats are my go to. They're so satisfying, healthy, quick and easy...and you can pretty much add whatever you want to them depending on what you're craving.
How To Make Overnight Oats:
Once you've made them a few times you really don't need to follow a recipe...even for the cooking impaired! All you need are some oats, some non dairy milk, and whatever you like to flavor your oats with. I like mine medium consistency (not too thick but not too liquid-y) just like I like my regular oatmeal. To achieve this I only add enough almond milk to coat the oats well when mixed. Once you've added all all your chosen ingredients together in a bowl, you just mix, cover and put in the fridge overnight. In the morning it's ready to eat! You can top it with some fresh bananas or berries, a dollap of peanut butter and head out the door. They can be enjoyed cold or heated up if you prefer. Either way is delicious!
Best Add-Ons to your Oats:
Nuts/Seeds:
They add healthy fats, protein, texture and flavor. My favorites are hemp seeds, chia seeds, almonds and walnuts. You can add them to the overnight mix or on top the next morning.
Cacao Powder:
Add a scoop of this delicious superfood to make chocolate overnight oats that are packed with antioxidants.
Shredded Unweetened Coconut:
I like mixing coconut in for sweetness and texture. Putting it in overnight allows it to soak and soften a bit.
Dried Fruit:
It's easy to have on hand and will soften up when soaked overnight, so if you're out of fresh fruit you're not in a bind! Goji berries are great as they are high in antioxidants. Raisins and dates are a classic and always delicious choice too.
Vegan Protein Powder:
My favorites are Navitas Hemp Powder, Navitas Vanilla and Greens and their Cacao and Greens Essential Blends, but any vegan protein powder will work.
Cacao Nibs:
They're great as a topping the next morning that add crunch, chocolaty flavor and antioxidants.
Coconut Berry Overnight Oats Recipe:
Prep Time: 5min.
Total Time: 5min.
Yeild: 1
Ingredients:
1/2 cup oats
3 tablespoons shredded, unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup mixed frozen berries
1 cup non-dairy milk of choice
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/2 tablespoon chia seeds
1/2 tablespoon hemp seeds
1 tablespoon goji berries
if too thick, then add water until ingredients are completely coated in liquid. Add by the teaspoon to prevent adding too much water.
Instructions:
Place all ingredients in a container or bowl and stir until thoroughly mixed and coated in liquid.
Cover and place in fridge overnight.
Optional: Top in the morning with fresh or thawed berries, sliced banana, a spoonful of peanut butter and a sprinkling of cacao nibs and enjoy!
You can add as much or as little of any of the ingredients as you like depending on your personal preferences. You can't really mess up overnight oats... if you make them too watery, just add more oats, if too thick just add more non-dairy milk or water. Easy peasy! From my hearth to yours...enjoy!