20 Epic Overnight Oats Recipes That Will Change Your Life (2024)

FAQs

What happens to your body when you eat overnight oats everyday? ›

A bowl of overnight oats might help to strengthen your immune system. The inclusion of beta-glucan in oats aids in increasing the activity of our body's white blood cells (WBCs), which are responsible for defending us from sickness. Because oats are high in zinc and selenium, they help fight infections.

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

Dairy milk and oat milk both work well. Coconut milk adds rich flavor and yields an especially creamy texture. Maple syrup – For sweetness. Honey works too.

Overnight oats can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator. The caveat is that they'll continue to soften the longer they sit — which might be a bonus if you like your oatmeal on the super-creamy side.

Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away.

Overnight oats are perfectly safe to be eaten every day. You may even eat them every morning if you like. However, some say that they feel oats give them digestive issues; overnight oats are not unsafe for those without medical conditions that affect digestion.

Overnight oats usually contain more calories than traditional oats, which is not ideal for individuals following a low-calorie diet or looking to cut back on calorie-rich foods. Note: Eating raw oats is generally safe, but may cause digestive issues or increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Overnight Oats Using Yogurt vs Milk

You can use cow's milk, oat milk or any plant-based milk to make overnight oats. For richer, creamier results, we also like adding regular yogurt or plant-based yogurt.

Specific research on overnight oats from 2019 reveals that oats maintain their lower blood sugar impact and insulin response when soaked in skim milk overnight. Now that you know some of the benefits of oats, you may be looking for some tasty recipes for overnight oats.

The only ratio you need to remember when making overnight oats is 1:1. You'll soak one part rolled oats with one part liquid overnight. Use less liquid if you want thicker oatmeal, more if you like it runny. You can use water or any type of milk (like almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, etc.)

What are the healthiest oats to use for overnight oats? ›

The Best Oats for Overnight Oats: Old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats, become tender and creamy when soaked. Quick-cooking oats, which are smaller, can end up pasty and steel-cut oats, which are sturdier, stay quite firm even after soaking.

Why can't I add milk and eat it right away? The oats need to cold steep overnight to reach the optimal texture. We recommend cold-steeping in the fridge (45 degrees or colder) for a minimum of 6 hours but not longer than 24 hours. Remove from fridge when you're ready to eat it.

Ball Mason Jars are a classic choice for preparing overnight oats, and as an added bonus, they're generally inexpensive to buy. These 8-ounce versions come in a pack of two for just $10, but you can also buy sets of 12 jars if you want to stock up.

If you soak your oats overnight at room temperature (do not put them in the fridge!) between 7-15hrs it allows the natural enzymes and other helpful organisms to begin fermenting the grain and this will neutralise a large portion of the phytic acid.

Since overnight oats have made their way on the scene, they have been traditionally eaten cold. You simply take old-fashioned oats (rolled oats), milk, fixings (fruit, nuts, seeds, a sweetener), and mix it all together. Then store in the fridge overnight (hence overnight oats) to enjoy in the morning---cold.

Excessive calories from mix-ins, toppings, and sweeteners in overnight oats can contribute to weight gain. By being mindful of portion sizes and choosing nutrient-dense toppings you can still enjoy the convenience of overnight oats as a wholesome and satisfying breakfast without compromising you weight loss goals.

The Bottom Line

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

In conclusion, the melatonin content, complex carbohydrates, and other factors make oatmeal a great bedtime snack. Incorporating oatmeal into your nighttime routine may help alleviate anxiety, promote relaxation, balance hormones, and support digestion.