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Why oatmeal should be the star of your breakfast

Sometimes, you’re in a hurry in the morning and you don’t have time to make breakfast. You know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but your morning routine is too hectic. That’s why more people have been participating in a new trend—overnight oatmeal.

Overnight oats are a no-cook method for cooking oatmeal–a breakfast option that is rich in antioxidants and fiber. Instead of cooking your oats on a stove with liquid, you can mix rolled (old-fashioned) oats with liquid and other additional toppings. Let the oatmeal rest in the refrigerator overnight, and then you will have “porridge”-like oatmeal in the morning.

How can you cook overnight oats? If you need some inspiration, review these three recipes that combine oats with the best ingredients.

Classic vanilla overnight oats

This is perhaps the easiest recipe you will find for oatmeal. If you have never tried oatmeal, it’s best to start with the basics. You can always add fruits or seeds, if preferred. This classic vanilla overnight oats recipe is simple, easy-to-prepare, and incredibly delicious. It’s always better to keep things simple. You don’t need many ingredients to satisfy your taste buds.

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You will need the following ingredients:

  • 1/3 c. plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 c. rolled oats
  • 2/3 c. unsweetened milk of choice
  • 1 Tbsp. chia seeds (You can also use ground flax meal.)
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1-2 Tbsp. honey (or maple syrup, if preferred)
  • Pinch of salt

The recipe is very basic. To begin, whisk all of the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Mix until well combined. Then, spoon the oat mixture into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a refrigerator for at least four hours. It’s preferable to store the oatmeal overnight. Enjoy!

Chocolate berry overnight oats

Is there anything better than eating chocolate in the morning? For many people, chocolate acts like coffee. It’s an automatic energy booster. If you combine chocolate and berries, that is even better.

In this recipe for chocolate berry overnight oats, nutrition coach and cooking instructor Elisa Burgos (with The Food Pharmacy) shares that this oatmeal is the most delicious way to start off your day.

You will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 c. rolled oats
  • 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
  • 1 c. almond milk
  • 1/2 c. berries (fresh or frozen)
  • Sweetener of choice (We recommend maple syrup.)

First, combine the oats and cocoa powder. Stir in the almond milk and sweetener. Mix until well combined. Top the mixture with berries and refrigerate overnight. You can serve the oatmeal with a side of fresh fruit. If preferred, you can also top the oatmeal with oil-free granola. Enjoy!

Creamy orange overnight oats

Many people drink a glass of orange juice in the morning. Oranges are high in Vitamin C. They also improve your immune system, skincare, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar level, and they lower your risk of cancer. So, why not add oranges to your oatmeal?

According to Lauren Pincus, author of The Protein-Packed Breakfast Club, citrus oats will make you feel happier. They offer a flavor of your childhood, and you’ll have a good start to the day.

You will need the following ingredients:

  • 1/3 c. old-fashioned oats
  • 1 tsp. chia seeds
  • 1 packet Stevia (or your preferred sweetener)
  • 2 Tbsp. vanilla whey protein powder
  • 1/4 c. unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 2 Tbsp. orange juice
  • 1/3 c. plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp. orange zest
  • 1 large clementine or mandarin orange, peeled and sectioned
  • 1 tsp. slivered almonds (or hemp seeds)

To begin, add the oats, chia seeds, packet of Stevia, and vanilla whey protein powder to a container with a lid. Mix well to combine. Then, add the almond milk, orange juice, Greek yogurt, and orange zest to the container. Mix until well combined.

Add the orange slices and garnish the oats with almonds or hemp seeds. Cover the oats and refrigerate them for at least four hours or overnight. Enjoy! Your breakfast meals have never been better.

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