Overnight Oats 2 Ways

When Indecisiveness Rears its Ugly Head

It’s not always easy to straddle the line between being spontaneous, but also being prepared. It’s almost 2020, we’re adults, and the world is moving faster than ever. To keep up with the chaos, we do as much as we can to plan. Whether it be through meal prep, to-do lists, or organization, we do as much as we can to save time in life. Preparation is a great thing and opens many doors, but it can make things feel stagnant and boring. How many days in a row can you eat avocado toast for breakfast before it gets monotonous? If you’re a fan of overnight oats, did you know that they taste great in sweet AND savory versions? They’re also a fresh and healthy changeup to just having cereal or toast, and they’re much more filling. Meal prep is a great way to get ahead in life, but the key to keeping things fresh is giving yourself options. So for times like these, when I’m feeling stuck in a rut, I make a batch of these overnight oats in two ways. It allows me to decide if I want something sweet or savory when I’m ready for breakfast.

The savory version is Indian-inspired and loaded with healthy spices for a flavorful kick. It’s not only great for breakfast meal prep but hearty enough for a filling lunch, as well. To make the base for the oats, stir together some old fashioned oats, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, salt, curry powder, and turmeric. Let the oats sit, covered in plastic wrap, in the fridge, for at least 6 hours. They’re great for meal prep because you can mix them before you go to bed, and they’re ready to go when you wake up. When ready to serve, take a look at the oats, if they seem a little stiff, stir in a splash of coconut milk to loosen them up. Next, top with fresh and healthy cilantro, peanuts, sriracha, and a soft boiled egg for some extra protein.

The sweet version is just as easy to make, with a couple of changes to the ingredients. The base includes old fashioned oats, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, honey, vanilla extract, and almond butter. I love adding chia seeds to sweet overnight oats because they swell up and give the oats a pudding-like texture. It’s like eating dessert. When the oats have softened, stir in a splash of coconut milk, if necessary, and top with more almond butter, raspberry jam, and fresh and healthy raspberries.

Overnight Oats for Meal Prep 2 Ways:

Yellow Curry

Serves 2

1 cup old fashioned oats
1 cup coconut milk, plus more for thinning
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Cilantro, for serving
Toasted peanuts, for serving
Sriracha
Soft boiled eggs

In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, salt, curry powder, and turmeric. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.

Remove the plastic wrap and stir in a splash of coconut milk if the oats seem too stiff. Top the oats with cilantro, toasted peanuts, a drizzle of sriracha, and a soft boiled egg.

PB & J

Serves 2

1 cup old fashioned oats
1 cup coconut milk, plus more for thinning
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons almond butter, plus more for topping
2 tablespoons raspberry jam
Raspberries, for serving
Toasted almonds, for serving

In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, honey, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons almond butter. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.

After the oats have sat in the refrigerator, remove the plastic wrap and stir in a splash of coconut milk, if necessary. Top with spoonfuls of raspberry jam and almond butter, and sprinkle on some toasted almonds.

Overnight oats and other meal prep recipes and meal prep delivery services are a small way to get one step ahead in your day, but they have a significant impact. You can sleep in a little longer, allowing you to feel more rested throughout the day. These oats are also chock-full of fiber and protein, leaving you full, satisfied, and energized for more extended periods. They will last for five days if sealed in airtight containers, so they’re perfect for meal prep.

Not limiting yourself is just as important as being prepared, which is why I like to meal prep batches of the sweet and savory versions of overnight oats and keep both on hand. You can choose whichever kind you are in the mood for when hunger strikes. We need to give ourselves options in life so that we don’t get stuck in a rut. As a self-proclaimed creature of habit, I can testify that repetition is a great thing, but it can easily lead to monotony. For these reasons, I often turn to meal prep recipes like this, so I don’t tip the scales.

What are your favorite ways to make healthy meal prep not only fresh and healthy but also exciting?