Overnight Oats

So I love muesli – real muesli like this, not the kind you find in a cereal box – but it takes a lot of work to put together.  When I started seeing overnight oats pop up on Pinterest, I thought it sounded pretty similar – raw oats soaked in yogurt with fruit – but with less work and made in mason jars.  Everything is cooler with mason jars, so I decided to check it out.  The recipe also involves chia seeds, which are uber-trendy right now, and with good reason!  They are similar to flax seeds, but don’t have to be ground to be eaten, plus they do this super cool gel thing when soaked.

The base of the recipe is oats, chia seeds, yogurt and milk – places in a jar and shaken.  Then you add in whatever flavors and sweeteners you want and let it set up in the fridge overnight (hence the name).  For vegans or lactose-intolerant, simply substitute your favorite products here.  Coconut milk would be especially delicious, I think.  Of course, you don’t have to use a mason jar to do this, but it’s super cute and easy to transport!

The first flavor I tried was Vanilla Raspberry – made with vanilla extract, raspberry jam, and fresh raspberries.  Yum!

Next I tried Mango Almond, with fresh mango, almond extract, and a little agave.  This wasn’t quite as awesome, mostly because of the almond extract, but still good.

I’ve also made Pina Colada with coconut extract and pineapple jam.  The options are pretty endless.  Even if you don’t like fruit, you could do peanut butter, nutella, chocolate, or coffee flavors.

Packed with fiber, protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals – this is a super healthy breakfast or post-workout snack.  It is really filling, too.  Try it out and tell me what your favorite flavor combo is!

Overnight Oats

1/4 cup uncooked old fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 1/2 tsp dried chia seeds

Combine in a container, stir in desired flavorings, and chill overnight.
For flavor ideas, check here and here.