I’ve even made a rule in the mornings that I don’t argue with Gigi over her clothes, wear what you wanna wear GF honestly!!! Haha

In the mornings, If my breakfast isn’t already meal prepped, it is smoothie, toast with PB or oats of some kind… it’s a feat to get it eaten while both kids need their breakfast, get changed and ready to go blah blah blah. 

Overnight oats are SUCH A GOOD OPTION! When I’m feeding Jesse, I can eat my breakfast too because it’s easy and one handed. There's something so calming about opening the fridge and knowing breakfast is already done. Not one single brain cell of mine is needed to open that container and scoop. Overnight oats are simple, filling, packed with good stuff and I also love how you can have them warmed or cold depending on weather. 

These are the three I make on repeat, plus everything I've learned about getting them right.

Why I love them so much

A few reasons these have earned a permanent spot in my fridge:

• They're done before the day even starts.Taking five minutes the night before and breakfast sorts itself out. 
• They actually keep you full. With the right mix of oats, yoghurt and a little protein, it’s a really good option to keep you fuller for longer, so you don’t feel so snacky. 
• Gigi LOVES the peanut butter and jelly option. 
• They never get boring. Same base, but you can change up the minute you feel the ick coming along (please tell me you get what im saying here!!)

How to build the perfect base:

Get the base right and everything else is just toppings. My rough formula for one serve:

• Half a cup of rolled oats
• Half a cup of milk (whatever you use, dairy or plant based)
• One big spoon of yoghurt, for creaminess and extra protein
• One spoon of chia seeds, optional, for a thicker texture and a fibre boost
• A scoop of protein powder (pea, whey or simply skim milk powder if you don't have protein powder)
• Sweetness -any sort will do pending your goal; fresh, stewed, frozen fruit, honey or maple syrup.

Stir it all together in a jar, pop the lid on and leave it in the fridge overnight. By morning the oats have soaked up the liquid and gone thick and creamy. That's the whole trick.

A few things I've learned along the way:

• Use rolled oats, not quick oats. Quick oats can get a little gluggy. 
• If it's too thick in the morning, loosen it with a splash of milk. Too runny, stir through a little more chia and give it ten minutes.
• They keep for three to four days in the fridge, so I make a few jars at once and line them up ready to go.
• If you’re not a fan of cold breakfast, you can warm a jar in the microwave for a minute or so.

My three favourites

1. Peanut butter and jelly

Probably my most requested flavour and Gigi’s absolute FAVE. Stir a big spoon of peanut butter through the base, then swirl in some mashed berries or a little jam so you get those ribbons running through it. In the morning, top with fresh raspberries or strawberries and one more drizzle of peanut butter. 

2. Latte

For anyone who runs on coffee…this is going to be your new Jam! Add a shot of espresso, or a teaspoon of instant coffee dissolved in a splash of warm water, plus a pinch of cinnamon to the base. If you like it a touch sweeter, a little honey or maple does the job.

3. Banana hazelnut

The most dessert-like of the three, and the one my kids try to steal. Mash half a banana through the base, then add a spoon of hazelnut spread or a handful of chopped toasted hazelnuts. Top with banana and a few more hazelnuts for crunch (and by hazelnut spread you know I mean nutella😊)

Make them yours

Once you've got the base down, it's easy to tweak them to whatever you need that week:

• More protein: stir in a scoop of protein powder, or add some low fat yoghurt, or add some more milk.
• More fibre: add chia, LSA, psyllium, berries, or a little grated apple or pear all work beautifully.
• More crunch: top with toasted nuts and seeds, coconut flakes or cacao nibs on top just before you eat.

Use what you have on hand so you can make it something you actually look forward to.

Whether you're trying to eat a bit more protein, actually eat a breakfast, not drink your breakfast, or just make mornings feel less like a battle, overnight oats are such a simple win. Make a couple of jars tonight and let future you have the easy morning.

Love, Leah x

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