Overnight Oats

Being a college student can be very hectic, especially where meal planning is involved. Breakfast is often sacrificed for fifteen minutes more sleep (although those fifteen minutes never seem to improve my mood or energy level). And that's a big problem, because breakfast is REALLY important. I don't have to tell you all the benefits of eating breakfast. When I do manage to get up in time to make/eat breakfast, it's one of my favorite parts of the day, because I get a few minutes of quiet time alone with my coffee and my food. It's quite peaceful.

Thanks to Pinterest, one of my favorite breakfasts is overnight oatmeal. It couldn't be easier. You put all the ingredients into a tupperware or a jar, put the lid on, shake it up, and store it overnight in the fridge.

In the morning, you have a delicious breakfast that can be served hot or cold and can be eaten on the go. It's also endlessly customizable: some of my favorite toppings include freeze dried strawberries, fresh blackberries, craisins, and sliced almonds. You also get to choose what kind of milk you use. I like using almond milk.

Topped with 1/4 cup freeze dried strawberries and a tablespoon sliced almonds

The oatmeal is pretty loose and liquid when you first take it out of the fridge, which some people like (the oats are soft enough that you can eat it like that), but I usually heat it up for a few minutes in the microwave so that a) it's warm and b) the oats absorb a bit more of the liquid.

Before microwaving

After microwaving for two minutes and adding toppings

This recipe has taken a lot of the hassle out of my mornings. I hope it does the same for you!

Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

1/2 cup oats (any kind)

3/4 cup your choice of milk

1/2 T honey or maple syrup

1/2 T vanilla extract

Your choice of toppings

Instructions:

1. Combine the first four ingredients in a tupperware or a jar. Put the lid on, and shake until combined.
2. Put the container in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight.
3. Either eat the oats as they are, or heat up for a few minutes in the microwave. Add desired topppings.
4. Eat!