Beloved for convenience, taste, and texture, overnight oats are a breakfast staple of many. After all, you just have to prep the ingredients before going to bed and let it sit overnight … that’s it!
But not all overnight oats are created equal, and there are several tips and tricks you can use to achieve the best possible flavor and quality. In this blog post, we’re covering the ins and outs of overnight oats and how to prepare them!
Everything you need to know about overnight oats
In this section, we’ve broken down the facts about overnight oats … share this info with a friend who perhaps doesn’t always make breakfast a priority! ;) Oh, and did we mention we’ve written more about oatmeal here? This is a great resource to start with!
Oats explained
Oats are a gluten-free whole grain that is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. The scientific name for oats is Avena sativa … you know, if you’re into that sort of thing!
Oat groats are the most intact type of oatmeal, which retains oats in their whole form and take a longer time to cook. Most home chefs prefer rolled, crushed, or steel-cut oats, which take less time to cook. Instant oats are the most highly processed variety of oats, and while they take the least amount of time to cook, some people don’t like the “mushier” texture of instant oats when compared to rolled, crushed, or steel-cut options.
Hot oatmeal is a popular breakfast food and often made by boiling oats in water or milk. Fun fact: some people refer to oatmeal as porridge!
Benefits of oatmeal for your health
Oats are considered one of the healthiest grains on earth, and with good reason!
There are soooo many health benefits of oatmeal and it’s considered to be a superfood of sorts! Oats are an excellent source of fiber and carbs, as well as quality protein and essential amino acids! Oats also provide the body with 60 percent of its daily manganese intake. This mineral helps the body form connective tissue and bone matter. Manganese also is essential for normal brain and nerve function.
Oatmeal is high in avenanthramides, which is a group of antioxidants found almost solely in oats. This antioxidant may help lower blood pressure levels and lead to better blood flow. Oats also contain a powerful soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which dissolves in water and forms a thick, gel-like solution in your gut. Beta-glucan has many health benefits, including reduced total cholesterol levels, reduced blood sugar, increased feeling of fullness, and increased growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract.
Oats can improve blood sugar control, which is key for those with Type 2 diabetes. Oats lower those blood sugar levels, and the beta-glucan found in oats may also help improve insulin sensitivity. If you’re seeking healthy meal ideas for diabetics, we’ve written about it here!
What are overnight oats
Perhaps you’ve heard or read about overnight oats … but what are they anyway?
Overnight oats were invented by a Swiss doctor in 1900 who was looking for an easy way to serve up the many health benefits of oats to his hospital patients. Who knew?! The original meal is referred to as muesli, which translates to “mash-up.” Overnight oats are a mix of raw oats that are soaked overnight in water, milk, or yogurt. Then in the morning, they’re served with sweet or savory toppings. Delicious! Eat overnight oats cold!
Difference between hot oatmeal and overnight oats
Now that we know all about the health benefits of oats, you may be wondering what the difference is between oatmeal and overnight oats. The most obvious difference is the temperature — overnight oats are prepared and served cold, while oatmeal is hot. Some research shows that the uncooked process helps maintain the nutrients.
Overnight oats topping ideas
You’re in luck! We’re maaaaybe a little obsessed with oatmeal around here and have done a fair amount of brainstorming about oatmeal topping ideas, which work on hot oatmeal as well as cold overnight oats. You can try chia seeds, nut butter, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, Greek yogurt, almond butter, creamy peanut butter and even fresh fruit.
How to prepare great banana and peanut butter overnight oats
For times when you’re in the mood to be a home chef, peanut butter overnight oats are super easy to make! We love this recipe from Fit Foodie Finds, which uses just a few simple ingredients … some of which may already be in your refrigerator or pantry. A peanut butter overnight oats recipe was never that easy!
Once all ingredients for peanut butter overnight oats are combined, just place in the refrigerator, covered, for at least 2 hours or overnight. Then serve cold for a bowl of yummy goodness!
For those times when you’re just not in the mood to meal prep Proper Good has got your back! Our Choc Peanut Butter & Banana Overnight Oats is easy to prep in just 90-seconds and filled with heart-healthy goodness. Dutch cocoa, peanut butter, crunchy banana pieces, and maple syrup powder give you a fancy bowl that smells and tastes like a peanut butter cup. Plus, all the benefits of a high fiber meal. You will want to eat more than one serving of peanut butter overnight oats!
Proper Good pouches equal convenience at your fingertips … zero prep, which means there’s no water to add, no waiting to soak oats, and no washing up!
And if you just can’t get enough of ready-made oatmeal yummy-ness, try more overnight oats here or hot oatmeal here!
Peanut butter overnight oats … a fiber rich, absolutely delicious way to start your day! Enjoy during busy days or weeks when you need a low maintenance, grab-and-go breakfast option.
The next time you’re looking to spice up your oatmeal routine, give these topping ideas a try, too!
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