Healthy Breakfast – Portable- Overnight Oatmeal

Overnight Oatmeal – If it seems like you’re always in a hurry and it feels difficult for you to get up early to cook a nutritious breakfast before work, it’s about time you try these easy overnight oats recipes! They are basic and quick to prepare. Let’s dive in!

What are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are simply oats soaked in milk or yogurt overnight so they can cook themselves while you sleep. These oats can be prepared ahead of time on a lazy Sunday night and enjoyed for up to four days. All you have to do when you wake up is add your toppings and they’ll be ready by breakfast time without having to worry about cooking.

Can you make oatmeal on the go?

Yes! To make this recipe, all you need to do is mix the ingredients together in a mason jar, place it in your refrigerator at night, and one healthy breakfast will be waiting for you when you wake up. How great is that?

If you forgot to prepare your overnight oats, you can always go with the quick-cooking oats or traditional oats to soak overnight in hot water.

What type of oatmeal should I use for my overnight oats recipe?

This is a common question, but the answer is simple: use whatever you have! There are actually different types of oats you can find in your local supermarket but we’ll talk about the two most commonly used.

• Old-fashioned rolled oats are one of the most popular forms since it’s widely available and they are super cheap. They are made from oat groats that are steamed and then rolled into flakes. They work well in this recipe since they typically take 5 to 10 minutes to cook. It is mostly used in different applications such as overnight oats, granola, cookies, bars, banana bread, and much more.
• For healthier options, there are steel-cut oats. They are easily recognizable for their semi-circular shape. They are full of fiber and they have a lower glycemic index (so you won’t feel hungry an hour after eating it) which makes them perfect for breakfast because they keep you satisfied until lunchtime. These take longer to cook up to 30 minutes but the overnight oatmeal recipe can be made in advance and they save great for the next morning.

The difference between these two types of oatmeal becomes apparent when you cook them. Old-fashioned oats absorb even more liquid and become thinner in consistency while the steel-cut oat will stay thick and maintain a chewy texture.

So for this recipe, we’ll use old-fashioned oatmeal since I have them in my kitchen all the time.

Easy and on the go breakfast- Overnight oatmeal

What can I add to my overnight oats recipes to make them tastier?

FRESH FRUIT

When it comes to fruit, fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries are all great choices to mix with your overnight oats because they’re filled with healthy antioxidants that will keep your immune system in tip-top shape. They also work best because they don’t change the texture of the oatmeal. Apples and bananas tend to get mushy but they’re both delicious on top of these healthy recipes.

DRIED FRUITS

For a sweeter taste, add some dried fruit such as raisins or dates. If you like your oatmeal with a more nutty flavor, then try adding some walnuts or pecans while the oats are cooking and let them be soft and chewy.

SPICES

The ground cinnamon, pumpkin spice, vanilla extract, ginger powder, and other spices work well because they don’t bring added sugar or calories to your recipe. Gound cinnamon particularly has antibacterial and antioxidant properties which work to repair damaged cells. Not only will you smell like apple pie when you make overnight oats with ground cinnamon, but your body will benefit from the high levels of antioxidants found in this powerful spice.

CHIA SEEDS

You can add chia seeds, sunflower seeds, or hemp seeds for nice, crunchy overnight oats that are great if you enjoy eating these foods cold. Adding chia seeds, particularly, will boost the omega 3 fatty acid content in your recipe. Omega 3s are essential for brain function, heart health, and joint mobility.

NUT BUTTER

This brings out the nutty flavor in your oats, and they’re a great source of protein. You can add any type to your overnight oats, but it works best when you combine peanut butter with banana slices or almond butter with strawberries.

PLAIN YOGURT

If you’re looking for a thick and creamy texture, then plain yogurt, plant-based yogurt, or plain greek yogurt is your best bet. It’s great if you want to eat overnight oats cold or hot and it works well with sweet and savory recipes alike.

SHREDDED COCONUT

Coconut oil is also packed with healthy fatty acids, so adding coconut flakes to your overnight oats will give you anti-inflammatory benefits. Shredded coconut is great for texture too!

MAPLE SYRUP

Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness so it’s great for people who prefer an extra sweet taste. It works well with protein-rich recipes too!

For more specific and healthy overnight oats variations, check out the delicious grab-and-go night oats recipes.

Can I put milk or yogurt on my overnight oat recipes?

You can choose whatever type of milk you like best and it should work well with your overnight oats recipes. You can also try coconut milk, cashew milk, soy, or even fresh milk for more flavor. For healthier options, it’s best to use unsweetened almond milk, dairy-free milk, or oat milk to cut out added sugar.

3 Perfect and Easy Overnight Oats Recipes

Ingredients

BLUEBERRY OVERNIGHT OATMEAL IN A JAR

• 1/4 cup blueberry
• 1/4 cup soy milk
• 1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp chia seed
• 1/4 cup old fashion rolled oats
• 2 tbsp agave or maple honey
• RASPBERRY OATMEAL IN A JAR
• 1/4 cup raspberry
• 1/4 cup skim milk/soy milk
• 1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp chia seed
• 1/4 cup old fashion rolled oats
• 2 tbs agave nectar

BANANA OVERNIGHT OATMEAL IN A JAR

• 1 banana
• 1/4 cup soy milk/skim milk
• 1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp chia seed
• 1/4 cup old fashion rolled oats
• 2 tbsp agave or maple honey

MANGO OVERNIGHT OATMEAL IN A JAR

• 1 mango
• 1/4 cup soy milk
• 1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp chia seed
• 1/4 cup old fashion rolled oats
• 2 tbsp agave or maple honey

Instructions

• Prepare 1/2 quart ball glass container.
• Place in the rolled oats, chia seed, soy milk, and sweetener ( honey or agave).
• Cover the container with the lid and shake to mix. You can use a spoon to do this too.
• You can add the fruit in the morning, or let it refrigerate overnight with the oatmeal mixture.

Here are the most Frequently Asked Questions:

Can overnight oats make you gain weight?

Overnight oats are one of the best breakfasts you can have to keep your weight in check. Our bodies need carbohydrates, so eating carbohydrate-heavy food almost immediately after waking up is great for avoiding an energy crash later on during the day.

Oats are also filled with fiber and protein which decrease your appetite immediately after eating. This means you’ll eat less throughout the day without even noticing so overnight oats are actually good for weight loss.

How to enjoy your overnight oats?

The most recommended way is to put your overnight oatmeal in a fridge overnight or for a few hours and enjoy them eaten cold like ice cream. If you prefer warm oats or if you want to eat overnight oats hot, it’s best to place them in a pot or bowl then heat them up before serving. Your oatmeal will be soft and easy to eat!

How to store overnight oats?

If you’re planning on making your overnight oats ahead of time, then it’s best to store them in an airtight container. Use a strong seal so that the oatmeal doesn’t get exposed to air. You can use any food-safe container for this purpose, but if you want something inexpensive, then you can use a mason jar! Just make sure to screw on the lid tightly for maximum freshness.

If stored properly, your oats are safe to eat up to 4-5 days in the fridge—but it depends on what ingredients you used! So I recommend making overnight oats and storing them separately from your preferred toppings. It is also best if you eat oatmeal within a few days to get the most out of your base recipe. If you added fruit or nuts, then you may want to eat your overnight oats as soon as possible because they tend to go bad a lot faster.

What are the health benefits of the overnight oat mixture?

Overnight oats are brimming with healthy fiber, antioxidants, and amino acids that your body needs to function properly. These help you feel fuller for longer so you stay energized throughout the day. It also helps to reduce cholesterol levels, which can protect you from heart disease and other blood-related health problems. This is because high fiber foods work to remove unhealthy lipids from your digestive tract.

By developing your favorite overnight oats recipe that takes just 5 to 10 minutes of meal prepping and fridge-time before serving, we found a way for anyone on the go to eat a healthy and delicious breakfast in the morning. This will help you save time and energy, so you can focus on other things throughout your day!

Oatmeal In The Jar- On the Go Breakfast – Overnight Oatmeal

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 181kcal

Author: Shobee

Ingredients

• BLUEBERRY OATMEAL IN A JAR
• 1/4 cup blueberry
• 1/4 cup soy milk
• 1/4 cup low fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp chia seed
• 1/4 cup old fashion rolled oats
• 2 tbsp agave or maple honey
• RASPBERRY OATMEAL IN A JAR
• 1/4 cup raspberry
• 1/4 cup skim milk/soy milk
• 1/4 cup low fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp chia seed
• 1/4 cup old fashion rolled oats
• 2 tbs agave nectar
• BANANA OATMEAL IN A JAR
• 1 banana
• 1/4 cup soy milk/skim milk
• 1/4 cup low fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp chia seed
• 1/4 cup old fashion rolled oats
• 2 tbsp agave or maple honey
• MANGO OATMEAL IN THE JAR
• 1 mango
• 1/4 cup soy milk
• 1/4 cup low fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp chia seed
• 1/4 cup old fashion rolled oats
• 2 tbsp agave or maple honey

Instructions

• Prepare 1/2 quart ball glass container.
• Place in the rolled oats, chia seed, soy milk and sweetener ( honey or agave).
• Cover the container with the lid and shake to mix. You can use a spoon to do this too.
• You can add the fruit in the morning, or let it refrigerate overnight with the oatmeal mixture. Eat it in the morning and enjoy.

Tried this recipe?Mention @theskinnypot or tag #theskinnypot!

Nutrition

Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 239mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 493IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 1mg