Overnight Oats 5 Ways!

Overnight oats and the benefits! 

Overnight Oats basic recipe:

2 cups old fashion oats (not quick cooking)
2-3 cups almond milk (you can use any other milk you like)
2-3 tbsp honey or organic maple syrup for drizzling
Fruit for topping

Place 1/2 cup oats in a Tupperware or small mason jar, fill with milk, top with berries or sliced banana, drizzle with honey. Put the lid on, place in fridge. Overnight the oats will soak up the milk making them soft and yummy and ready to eat!
Get creative with your flavors, stir in almond butter or superfood powders like açai. The flavor combos are endless. Try my favorite summer combos: 

…Maple Cinnamon Oats: classic, but absolutely delicious and perfect when paired with fresh figs. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and drizzle with organic maple syrup. 

…Cherry Almond Cream: a fun combo for summer, but also fun mid winter when you are craving some cherries! Soak fresh pitted cherries in with the oats using almond milk and top with a little coconut whip cream. (sold in freezer at whole foods) 

…Banana Vanilla Flax: like banana bread oatmeal. YUMMO! Mix 1/2 teaspoon of flaxseed meal, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in with oats. Top with sliced bananas. 

…Lemon Blueberry: love this combo, the lemon zest makes for a nice twist to brighten up the palate. Zest a fresh lemon in with oats, top with fresh blueberries. I even like to add a drop of lavender! 

…Pina Colada: perfect for summer, bursting with tropical flavors! Soak oats with fresh pineapple and shredded coconut, use almond toasted coconut milk. 

What health benefits do these ingredients provide besides the obvious fiber? 

- oats - contain minerals manganese, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. 

- flax - omega 3 essential fatty acids (shown to have heart healthy effects). 

-cinnamon - antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, fights diabetes, helps defends against cognitive decline, fights infections and viruses, protects dental health. 

-lemon oil (zest) - promotes hydration, vitamin C, improves skin quality, supports weight loss, aids in digestion, helps prevent kidney stones. 

- 100% pure maple syrup - calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and B6!