Power Through Breakfast with Overnight Oats

Overnight Oats (Image Source: iStock)

Breakfast is the meal that gets your day started and overnight oats have a mix of carbs and fiber to deliver longer lasting energy.

Another bonus of overnight oats that they are convenient, and you can prep them ahead of time by making them the night before or even, making a couple of jars at a time!

Thanks for the samples Naked Oats! (Photo Credit: @lm_pics607)

BOOSTED-UP OVERNIGHT OATS

I was excited to find boosted-up overnight oat mixes, like Naked Oats (pictured here)! The biggest bonus of pre-mixed products like this is CONVENIENCE. It takes only 30-seconds to prepare* (OR LESS) because all you do is combine two scoops of the overnight oats mix and one cup of water or milk of your choice. Then refrigerate for at least five hours or overnight.

*Tip: For a thicker-texture overnight oats, use two scoops of the Naked Oats mix and decrease the liquid to 3/4 cup and refrigerate overnight.

NUTRITION HIGHLIGHTS

What I love about this product is the protein boost and that there is no added sugar!

The added protein is from a combination of whey protein, peanut flour, and chia protein. And it gains its sweetness from fermented sugar (Reb-M).

Per serving: Each serving delivers about 240 calories, along with 7 grams of fiber, 20 grams of protein, and no added sugar which will help to fill you up and provide longer lasting energy.

Naked Oats are also available in a variety of delicious flavor profiles, including Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Roll, Green Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry Cobbler, Double Chocolate, and Strawberry Cream.

TOPPING TIPS

Here are some topping tips to add to overnight oats before serving!

Chocolate Peanut Butter - Fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of coconut
Cinnamon Roll - Fresh blueberries and a dash of cinnamon
Green Apple Cinnamon - Fresh apple slices and a drizzle of melted peanut butter
Blueberry Cobbler - Fresh berries and a drizzle of Barleans Seriously Delicious Omega-Swirl
Double Chocolate - Fresh raspberries and cocoa powder
Strawberry Cream - Fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of chia seeds

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Naked Oats and product samples were provided.

Overnight Oats: 3 Ways

Breakfast is such an important meal and opportunity to fuel the body. As the name suggests, this is the meal that literally breaks the fast. While there isn't one perfect breakfast option, there are definitely nutrients to look to include like whole grains, fruit, healthy fats, and protein. This mix of nutrients will help to fuel and refuel the body.

Overnight oats are such a great option because you make them ahead of time and then let the oats sit overnight. You can then warm them up before you eat them or just enjoy them right out of the refrigerator. Oats deliver fiber and protein to help fill you up; one cup of oats has about 10 grams of protein. In comparison - one large egg has about 6 grams of protein. 

The oats then serve as a perfect foundation for nutrient-rich toppings and additions like fruit, nuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and more! There are almost endless options for overnight oats so experiment and find the mixture that is best for you - even try savory options with toppings like avocado, egg, and chopped scallions. Below are three overnight oats recipes for you to try!

Chia Berry Overnight Oats

Serves 1

Ingredients:
1 cup (240 mL) old fashioned oats
1/2 cup (120 mL) almond milk
1 Tablespoon (15 mL) chia seeds
1/3 cup (80 mL) frozen blueberries
1/3 cup (80 mL) frozen strawberries
1/3 cup (80 mL) frozen raspberries

Directions:
1. Mix the oats, almond milk, and chia seeds together in a small mixing bowl.
2. In a pint-size jar, start with 1/3 of the oatmeal mixture. Then layer frozen raspberries. Top with 1/3 of the oatmeal mixture. Then layer with frozen blueberries. Top with 1/3 of the oatmeal mixture. Finish with a layer of frozen strawberries.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Optional: To serve finish with 1 - 2 teaspoons maple syrup or agave nectar.

Topping suggestion: Top with fresh bananas, fresh raspberries, and/or coconut chips.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 400 calories, 9 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 80 milligrams sodium, 73 grams carbohydrates, 15 grams fiber, 13 grams sugar, 12 grams protein 

Golden Overnight Oats

Serves 1

Ingredients:
1 cup (240 mL) coconut, almond milk, or whole milk
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) tumeric
1/4 teaspoon (1 mL) vanilla
2 teaspoons (10 mL) agave nectar
1/4 teaspoon (1 mL) cinnamon
1 cup (240 mL) old fashioned oats

Directions:
1. Combine the spices and agave nectar to the milk, whisk together. Then add the spice-milk mixture to the oats. Shake or stir to combine.
2. Transfer to a pint size jar or container, cover and refrigerate overnight. 

Serving suggestions: Top with raisins, sliced pear, coconut flakes, and/or hemp seeds.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):  470 calories, 9 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 160 milligrams sodium, 80 grams carbohydrates, 10 grams fiber, 16 grams sugar, 15 grams protein

Maple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Serves 1

Ingredients:
1 cup (240 mL) coconut, almond milk, or whole milk
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) cinnamon
2 teaspoons (10 mL) maple syrup
1 cup (240 mL) old fashioned oats

Directions:
1. Combine the cinnamon, maple syrup, and the milk, whisk together. Then add the spice-milk mixture to the oats. Shake or stir to combine.
2. Transfer to a pint size jar or container, cover and refrigerate overnight. 

Serving suggestions: Top with chopped apple slices, walnuts, chocolate chips, sliced banana, and/or pecans.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):  380 calories, 8 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 160 milligrams sodium, 70 grams carbohydrates, 9 grams fiber, 15 grams sugar, 11 grams protein