Overnight Oats

If you have read any of my posts or recipes, you probably know that I'm a sucker for any breakfast recipe that is clean and healthy and can be made the night before! If you are also a busy working mom, you know how hectic weekday mornings are. In my house, it's like a three ringed circus in the mornings! That is why I usually drink Shakeology for breakfast, but sometimes I like to eat something instead of drinking a shake in the morning.

As you've probably heard a million times, eating breakfast is one of the keys to managing your weight. Did you know that when sumo wrestlers are not large enough, they are forced to eliminate breakfast in order to fatten them up! It's true! Not eating breakfast means your body is going for so many hours without fuel that it automatically enters starvation mode, resulting in a release of cortisol. If you have heard anything about the hormone cortisol, you know that it is one of the main causes of belly fat, especially as we get older.

Overnight oats are such an easy, delicious and healthy breakfast, that it honestly leaves you with no excuse for not eating in the morning!  There are a ton of different varieties, depending on what you mix in. Here is my recipe for blueberry banana overnight oats, which is my go-to flavor.

• 1 C almond or coconut milk (I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
• 1/2 C old fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking or steel cut)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 banana, chopped
• 1/2 C blueberries

Mix all ingredients in a covered bowl or a mason jar. Keep in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, you can heat it in the microwave for a minute if you prefer it warm, or just eat it cold. You may wish to sprinkle some chopped almonds or granola on top for a little crunch!