Overnight Oats - breakfast for the aspiring athlete

Do you like oatmeal?! If you do, I have the best post-workout breakie ever to share with you today! I've seen it on a number of healthy food blogs and I needed a couple of attempts before I got a basic recipe down pat that I just love to bits. It's a "stick to your ribs", re-fueling type of breakfast that's healthy, filling and delicious....and no, it doesn't come from a packet with "just add water" instructions!!

Overnight Oats
This version is adapted from a recipe from What Kate is Cooking

This is an amazing breakfast that I enjoy after an early morning workout. I get it ready the night before and pack it with my lunch to take to work. As soon as I get to work, I load on the toppings and chow down!

1/3 c. oats
1 1/3 c. water
1 tsp chia seeds
1/4 c. almond milk
1 tsp maple syrup
1/2 - 1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Optional mix-ins - I usually use chopped mixed berries and a small scoop of all natural almond butter. Other possibilities might be raisins, nuts, granola, your favourite cereal, banana, chocolate chips, chopped or dried fruits, etc. Be creative and try all sorts of variations - there are no rules with overnight oats.

Combine you oats and water in a microwaveable bowl. Cook on high for 3 minutes. Mine boiled over and made one heck of a mess the first time I did this, so make sure you use a larger-sized bowl. Let the oat mixture sit in the microwave for a few minutes to allow time for the oats to soak up some of the remaining water.

Add your chia seeds. You can find chia seeds at a well-stocked grocery store or I usually pick mine up at our local bulk store. Why chia you might ask?? Check out this link for all you need to know about chia seeds. Chia has only recently been recognized for its amazing nutritional properties and medicinal qualities. I try to add a scoop into my smoothies, oatmeals and baked goods! You don't have to add chia to the oats, but they definitely up the "WOWZA" factor when it comes to the health benefits of this breakie.

Let the oat mixture cool. Once cool, add almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon. Mix well.

Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight.

In the morning, remove the oat mixture from the refrigerator. Alot of people eat this oaty mixture cold, but I prefer to put it in the microwave for 1 - 1 1/2 minutes to warm it slightly. I just can't do cold oats - the texture grosses me out!

Now here comes the fun part :-)  Top this oaty deliciousness with your most favourite toppings. I have to tell you that natural almond butter is amazing on overnight oats. I love it and can't eat my oats without some type of nut butter mixed in.

Mixed berries is also a must!

Soooo good!!! This is one of the best breakfasts ever! Trust me and try it.

Unfortunately, I was ravenous and demolished this bowl of oats before I took a picture of the final product. Woopsy-daisy!! Not to worry, I have this at least once a week, so I'll share more versions and more pictures very soon :-)

What is your favourite post-workout breakie?
If you have had overnight oats before, what is you favourite combo?

Hope your Tuesday is a beautiful one,

Andrea