Overnight Oats

April 27, 2020

I created my own 'Overnight Oats' many years ago, when I was desperate for a speedy, healthy, easy-to-digest, cool summer breakfast that I could grab-and-go and eat at my desk when I was Graphic Design freelancing. Once I realised the deliciousness that is overnight oats, I never looked back! Those agency freelance jobs are no longer my working life (as I'm a Beekeeper), but overnight oats still are!

As much as I love the idea of Muesli and Granola, I just couldn't stomach the internal workout involved with digesting them. I needed a softer approach to a happy digestion and my own gut health.

There's one summer breakfast that rises above the rest according to gut health experts, and that's 'Overnight Oats' made from a blend of rolled oats, pearled barley, chia, quinoa and cashew nuts. "The oats are rich in prebiotic fiber, which feed your good gut bacteria." explains Robyn Youkilis, gut health expert and author of Go With Your Gut. You combine all of the ingredients and stick it in the fridge, creating a cooling breakfast that's perfect for hot summer days.

 

What are overnight oats?

If you’ve never heard of overnight oats before, let me give you a quick run down. Overnight oats are a no-cook method of making porridge. Instead of cooking your oats with liquid on the stove or in the microwave, you mix 'Overnight Oats' with the liquid and other mix-ins, and let it rest in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you have a cool delicious porridge that is perfect for easy grab-and-go breakfasts. 

 

How do you make overnight oats?

Overnight oats are also endlessly customizable and super easy to make. You'll need about ½ cup of a creamy liquid of your choice, 1 tablespoon or so of honey and or peanut butter, a pinch of fine-grain sea salt

 

What do 'Overnight Oats' taste like? Do they taste good?

This is a question I get asked all the time, and my response is, if overnight oats didn’t taste good, I wouldn’t eat them! I get it though - after a lifetime of eating hot porridge, Cereal, Muesli or Granola switching to eating cold 'Overnight Oats' can take a bit of getting used to. I promise, it is worth a shot. I’ve converted even the most skeptical people into total 'Overnight Oats' fanatics. What seals the deal: the ease (you don’t have to do anything in the morning) and the texture. Overnight porridge doesn’t have the same texture as hot/stovetop oats. It’s creamier, denser, and in my opinion, so much tastier. I’d take a jar of overnight oats over hot oats any day!

Speaking of that, do you eat overnight oats warm or cold? That all being said, you absolutely can heat up your overnight oats if you prefer. I eat them cold straight out of the fridge, and I think most overnight oatmeal aficionados do as well. It’s part of the convenience of overnight oats - grab and go! However, if you want them warm, just heat them in the microwave for 30 - 60 seconds, stirring frequently, or in a small saucepan on the stove until heated to your liking.

 

Are overnight oats good for you?

• Consuming 'Overnight Oats' increases soluble fiber intake that is useful in controlling blood pressure
• Consuming 'Overnight Oats' on a regular basis will restore your bowel function properly
• Healthy carbohydrates 

 

Does soaking the oats make them easier to digest?

Did you know until very recently (as in, the past half-century or so), it was customary to soak and even ferment oatmeal before you ate it? Oats contain one of the highest levels of phytic acid of all grains - meaning they can be quite hard to digest for some folks. The time spent in the fridge soaking in the liquid breaks down some of the compounds that cause digestive issues. 

    

How long do overnight oats take? Do I really have to chill them overnight?

They start to thicken up nicely in about two hours. I’d recommend going at least four hours to get the optimal yumminess. I think most people just recommend overnight because it’s easy to put it together in the evening, and then wake up to an awesome, pre-made breakfast. The fridge does the work for you while you’re sleeping.

  

How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?

Two - Three days.

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