With the new year finally here (hello 2018!) and our annual attempt at starting and maintaining a resolution, we’ve decided to switch it up. This year, it’s about doing more—more family time, more treats for yourself, more 7:00 am workout classes, and more healthy meal prep. And while we’re on the subject of that last “more,” if you’ve never had overnight oats before, this grab-and-go, healthy breakfast should be added to your daily routine. So, here’s to more overnight oats!

Dark Cacao Oats
The list goes on and on about the benefits of cacao, but here’s a few of the reasons we love it. Cacao has 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries, it’s the highest plant-based source of iron, it’s full of magnesium—which is good for a healthy brain and heart—and it’s a natural mood elevator.

Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk*
2 large medjool dates, or 3 medium-small size
2 tsp cacao powder
2 tsp flax seeds
¾ cup rolled oats
Pinch of salt

Directions
1. Combine the milk, dates, salt, and cacao powder in a blender. Blend until smooth.

2. In a mason jar, add the oats and flax seeds.

3. Pour the chocolate milk mixture into the mason jar over the oats and flax seeds, then stir with a spoon.

4. Put a lid on the mason jar and let it chill in the fridge overnight.

5. Take from the fridge and enjoy the next morning!

Vanilla Turmeric Oats
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as both a spice and a medicinal herb. It is known as an antioxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory. Turmeric is also linked to increased brain functionality and lowers the risks of heart disease.

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk*
1 to 1 ½ tbsp maple syrup (depending on how sweet you want it)
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp turmeric
1 tbsp chia seeds
¾ cup rolled oats
Pinch of salt
Pinch of cardamom (optional)
1 fresh ginger coin (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine the milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, turmeric, salt, cardamom, and ginger (if using) in a blender. Blend until smooth.

2. In a mason jar, add the oats and chia seeds.

3. Pour the turmeric milk mixture into the mason jar over the oats and chia seeds, then stir with a spoon.

4. Put a lid on the mason jar and let it chill in the fridge overnight.

5. Take from the fridge and enjoy the next morning!

Editor’s Note: The flax and chia seeds help with thickening the overnight oats, so it comes out as more of a pudding texture. Plus, the health benefits of both flax and chia seeds are both high in fiber, and antioxidants. 

*We used an unsweetened plant-based milk called Ripple, but if using a dairy milk or an almond milk, we suggest using less or skipping the added sweeteners in the recipe!

Do you have any favorite overnight oat recipes? Let us know in the comments!