Bringing Back Overnight Oats

2012 was the year we added overnight oats to our proverbial recipe boxes. Thanks to the internet, they became our instant go-to for waking up to a hearty, balanced breakfast that was full of flavor and could be iterated in countless ways. This was not the first time overnight oats had gone viral. Championed by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner in the early 1900’s, this mixture of oats, nuts, and yogurt that steeped overnight were used to treat tuberculosis with. Here’s hoping that shows up in your next game of trivial pursuit.

Like most trends, overnight oats hit their peak and then returned to the way-back machine, presumably replaced by acai bowls. Which is a shame, considering that they pack the triple nutrient punch of fat/fiber/protein. Together they will keep you fuller longer—especially important in the AM when skimping on protein can lead to the dreaded afternoon energy slump and sugar cravings. 

For a breakfast that keeps your blood sugar stabilized and your body satiated, look no further than these overnight oat recipes, revived courtesy of our friends at Prescribe Nutrition. We plan to eat them while wearing high-waisted jeans and a middle part. 

CLEMENTINE & VANILLA OVERNIGHT OATS

Ingredients
½ cup gluten-free rolled oats
½ cup non-dairy milk
pinch cinnamon
pinch sea salt
¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
1 clementine or tangerine peeled, in segments (zest first)
2 tbsp sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
honey drizzle

Instructions
Zest the clementine or orange before peeling. Then add zest, orange segments and other ingredients to the oats and stir well to combine. Let sit overnight in the refrigerator. Enjoy cold the next morning or heat on the stovetop for a hot breakfast.

BLUEBERRY & LEMON OVERNIGHT OATS

Ingredients
½ cup gluten-free rolled oats (not instant)
½ cup almond milk or coconut milk, hemp milk, or coconut water
pinch of cinnamon
pinch of sea salt
¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tsp chia seeds
1 tsp flax seeds
1 lemon juiced
¼ cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions
Add all the ingredients to the oats and stir well to combine (it will be very purple if using frozen berries!). Let sit overnight in the refrigerator. The next morning, heat it briefly in the microwave or on the stovetop if you’d prefer it warm, otherwise enjoy it cold.

Notes
The combination of blueberry and lemon zest makes this overnight recipe bright and sweet!