Breakfast On the Go: Overnight Oats

By: Lydia Bowman

At school, I am always looking for ways to cut down my morning routine in order to sleep in as late as possible. This usually involves eating my breakfast on the go! Whether that be a breakfast bar, a piece of fruit, or some overnight oats, my sleep schedule always benefits from not having to stop at the dining hall. One of my favorite breakfasts that can be easily prepared the night before is overnight oats. I’ll share with you my favorite recipe!

 

Gooey Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (my favorite kinds are these from Trader Joes-- it’s a huge bag that lasts a while!)

• 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk

• 1 ½ tablespoon jelly (*substitute fresh fruit for a healthier option!)

• 1 ½ tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter

DIRECTIONS:

For this specific recipe, you can prepare the oats a couple different ways. In a sealable container like a mason jar, you can mix all of the ingredients together and let them soak overnight (I prefer this method because it guarantees you’ll get all of the flavors in every bite!). Or, you can also layer the peanut butter and jelly separately, let it sit overnight, then mix everything together in the morning.

In the morning, I like to top my oats with fresh strawberries, mixed nuts, and a little scoop of chunky peanut butter. Depending on how gooey you like your oats, you can pour more almond milk on in the morning.

There are a ton of variations of overnight oats you can make! For example, use half of a mashed up banana and less milk to add more of a fruity flavor; add chia seeds for an extra dose of protein, fiber, and antioxidants; mix in cocoa powder to satisfy your sweet tooth early in the morning; add in protein powder and eat your oats as a post-workout treat; or use yogurt instead of almond milk to get your daily dose of probiotics!

Have fun customizing your overnight oats with your favorite fruits, milks, yogurts, and toppings and enjoy your extra few minutes of sleep while eating your breakfast on the go!