Mornings can be a whirlwind—rushing to get ready, grabbing a bite, and dashing out the door. Some of us end up missing breakfast altogether – as many as 18% of us, according to a recent study. But what if I told you there’s a breakfast option that not only saves time but also offers a plethora of health benefits? Enter: overnight oats, the hero of hassle-free, nutritious breakfasts.

What are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are exactly what they sound like—oatmeal that’s prepped the night before and left to soak in liquid until morning. This simple concoction usually consists of rolled oats soaked in milk or a milk alternative, mixed with various add-ins such as fruits, nuts, seeds, or sweeteners, all left to meld together in the fridge overnight.

Why Choose Overnight Oats?

1. Convenience: Picture this—wake up to a ready-made breakfast. No cooking required, no morning hassle. Just grab your jar of overnight oats, and you’re good to go.
2. Nutritional Powerhouse: Oats are a great source of fiber, which helps keep you full and aids digestion. They’re also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. By adding fruits, nuts, or seeds, you can further boost the nutrient profile of your breakfast.
3. Versatility: The beauty of overnight oats lies in their adaptability. From classic combinations like strawberries and almonds to more adventurous mixes with chia seeds or yogurt, the possibilities are endless.
4. Control Over Ingredients: When making your own overnight oats, you have control over the ingredients, allowing you to tailor your breakfast to suit your dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
5. Energy Boost: With a balance of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, overnight oats provide a sustained release of energy, keeping you fueled and focused throughout the morning.

How to Make Overnight Oats

1. Base: Start with rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) in a jar or container.
2. Liquid: Pour in your choice of liquid—milk, almond milk, soy milk, or yogurt. The ratio is typically 1:1 for oats to liquid, but adjust according to your desired consistency.
3. Add-ins: Mix in fruits, nuts, seeds, spices, or sweeteners (like honey or maple syrup) to enhance flavor and texture.
4. Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight, allowing the oats to soften and absorb the flavors.
5. Enjoy: In the morning, give it a stir and add any additional toppings if desired. Your breakfast is served!

Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent on-the-go, or someone seeking a nutritious start to the day, overnight oats might just be the breakfast solution you’ve been looking for. With their simplicity, health benefits, and customisable nature, they’ve earned their spot as a breakfast superstar.

And we have a simple and tasty Banana and Walnut Overnight Oats recipe to get you started.

So, why not embrace the ease and nourishment of overnight oats? Prepare them tonight, wake up to a delicious morning treat, and conquer your day, one spoonful at a time!

If you are looking for a way to change up your menu and embed some healthy habits, we now have Fitfish for a Fiver: recorded and live exercise sessions, a monthly podcast and monthly recipe and our ‘Stretch and Soul Sessions (10-15 minutes of some gentle stretching and a bit of a reflection). As part of your membership you get a whole pack of recipes you can make with just 5 ingredients. All for just £5 a month. You can find out more and sign up here – we’d love you to join us.