It’s been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Breakfast is the meal that gives you that first boost of energy to face the challenging day ahead. But some people choose to skip breakfast because it is difficult to find time in the morning rush to get ready. Others have breakfasts like cereal or toast because they are easy and quick to make. These simpler breakfasts aren’t bad per se, but they may not give you the energy you need, leaving you feeling hungry one or two hours later anyway.
But there is a versatile option that is both simple and nutritious – overnight oats. Overnight oats are uncooked oats placed in yogurt or milk with some other ingredients the night before. They can then be eaten the next morning without the fuss of preparation. They are packed with nutrients and energy and give you the boost you need to start the day! Here are some of the best reasons why overnight oats are both a practical and healthy breakfast option.
They are easy to make
Even the preparation the night before is easy. Simply grab the ingredients, throw them in a jar, and place it in the fridge for the next morning. It takes just a few minutes and makes very little dishes.
They give you more time in the morning
With overnight oats there is no morning preparation, no mountain of dishes to be washed or loaded into a dishwasher, you simply grab the jar and go.
They can be eaten on the go
If you don’t have the time to sit and eat at home, the overnight oats are easy to eat on the go. The mixture has a thick, pudding-like consistency that doesn’t spill easily (like cereal and milk) and the jar is easily held in one hand with a spoon in the other. It’s just like eating ice-cream!
There are hundreds of delicious recipes
Oats for breakfast every morning can get quite boring right? Wrong. There are hundreds of recipes available online that include fruity flavors, chocolate, peanut butter, and even some savory vegetable options.
They are good for budgets
The ingredients for overnight oats mixtures are very budget-friendly compared to other filling breakfasts like bacon and eggs. Oats can also be bought in bulk and last quite a long time.
They are high in fiber
Oats are quite high in fiber, which is great for a number of reasons. Fiber keeps you regular, helps to control blood sugar and has been associated with other health benefits like lowering cholesterol and supporting healthy gut bacteria.
They keep you fuller for longer
The fiber, proteins, and fats in overnight oats all help to release glucose slowly into the body, keeping you feeling fuller for longer. No more 10 o’clock tummy grumbles! These components are also rich in energy compared to the simple carbohydrates of cereal or toast, so you can have more drive to face tough or brain-draining mornings.
They are rich in vitamins
Oats are particularly rich in B vitamins, which are good for skin and hair health as well as brain function. If you pair the oats with fruits, you get a full complement of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, helpful for improving immunity, energy levels, and other essential body functions.