The Easiest, Healthiest Breakfast Ever: Overnight Oats

It’s easy to skip breakfast. Mornings are rushed as they are, so throwing a meal preparation into the ring can seem next to impossible.

I’m a habitual planner and routine-oriented by nature, but for breakfast I usually just grab a banana and a bran muffin and out I go. Zzzz. Yes, that duo gets old fast, but it’s hella convenient, super healthy and I’d rather not starve.

But sometimes I make Overnight Oats. It’s even healthier, and if you make it in a little Tupperware container, it’s just as convenient to grab and go. (Just don’t forget a spoon.)

What’s the difference between regular oatmeal and Overnight Oats, you ask? Well nothing. Aside from the fact it’s been soaking in all of its deliciousness for hours. (Think: crock pot of breakfasts.)

I’ve seen a few different recipes for this concoction (what inspired me to get back to making the pre-made goodness is this one), so by all means, try your own spin — there’s really no right or wrong. Sub the honey or agave nectar for maple syrup or stevia if you like, and depending on the season, switch up the fruits. In my version I used blueberries and a chopped kiwi and strawberry. Sometimes I also throw in chia seeds and hemp hearts for additional vitamins and fibre. Oh and almond butter/peanut butter is never a bad thing. On/in anything. Ever. 🙂

Oats are so great for breakfast for a bunch of reasons, but the reason this breakfast is so great is because of how balanced it is. Aside from all of the heart-friendly vitamins and nutrients, you’re getting good fats, good carbohydrates and a dose of protein. Not only are you going to stay fuller longer, but I’ll bet you crave less crap later on in the day. Seriously, beach season is about three months away (!) — the perfect amount of time to start making some effective tweaks in your lifestyle. I’m sure that’s extra incentive for you to start eating healthier breakfasts like this one, which, conveniently enough, couldn’t be more simple.

And it’s not just about looks. The list of reasons oats are such an awesome breakfast are almost never-ending. But because the average human attention span is said to be as short as 8 seconds, here’s a few great ones from my favourite Winnipeg nutrition blogger, Carrotsandcake.ca:

They’re whole grain — Health Canada recommends that 50% of your grains should be whole grain; we know people who eat whole grains have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and digestive disorders.
They’re rich in soluble fibre — this type of fibre helps improve blood cholesterol and can also help manage blood sugar levels
They’re high protein — A half cup serving (dry, large flake oats) offers up nearly 8 grams of protein.
They’re a great source of B vitamins, iron and vitamin E.

So, place the following ingredients in your bowl (or handy ‘ole Tupperwear)