Easy Breakfast Idea: Overnight Oats Recipe
There’s nothing that gives me the smug-mummy feeling better than having breakfast ready – the night before. It makes the morning so much simpler and helps me feel I have accomplished something before 8 a.m.
If the school run isn’t stressful enough, adding to the mix the “give me the choices” question, which means reeling off her 5 most regular breakfast preferences, before finally landing on one – and then discovering that I don’t actually have that option. This leads us back to square 1 and inevitably means we’ll be late.
All in all, having breakfast ready in the morning, is a great help!
I love this simple combination of oats, chia seeds, nuts, and fruit. But of course, you can make it as fancy as you like!
Overnight Oats Recipe:
- 1 cup of oats
- 2 cups of plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
- 1 chopped up or shredded apple
- A large handful of almonds
- A large handful of pumpkin seeds
- A large handful of coconut flakes
- A handful of cocoa nibs
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
Mix all the ingredients together, leave to sit in the fridge overnight, and voila it’s ready to dish out! You can also warm it in the morning if it’s a bit chilly to eat something straight from the fridge.
Are oats healthy?
Yes, and no.
Oats (which are inherently gluten-free but you might see gluten-free oats advertised because oats are often produced in factories that handle wheat-based products) are a source of carbohydrates aka sugar. Yes, they are more ‘slow-releasing than a slice of white bread, but at the end of the day, they will still be broken down into sugar. They do contain fiber, as do the chia seeds apple, nuts, and seeds, which is a good thing.
In my overnights oats recipe, there is a balance of oats (carbs) to proteins and fats which helps balance the release of sugar. The addition of cinnamon helps to lower blood sugar elevation.
This is definitely a healthier breakfast choice than a bowl of Cocoa Pops or toast with jam! And as far as a healthy kids breakfast goes I think this is a great balance of macronutrients for them to start their day right.
Lots of my clients like to eat porridge or overnight oats for breakfast, and I don’t have a problem with it IF it makes them feel energized and is filling enough to get them to lunch without a mid-morning snack. The key to this is experimenting with additional forms of proteins and fats. A bowl of porridge with honey will likely lead to a sugar high followed by a crash, definitely not the best way to feel in the morning.
Personally, I don’t like to start my day on carbs (I intermittent fast: you can read more here) but I love to have this as a pudding or a filling afternoon snack.
Let me know if you try it xx
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