Happy Friday!
Wheeeeeeee. Man, the weeks are flying by…I just hope the summer doesn’t fly by too. :ermm: I hate when that happens, don’t you?
I whipped up a delicious batch of Vegan Overnight Oats last night before hitting the hay…
Before going into the fridge last night…
I chopped a large banana and let it marinate overnight in the mix. Mmmm.
In this batch went:
- 1/2 cup organic oats
- 1.25 cups Almond Milk
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- Very tiny pinch of sea salt
- 1/4 scoop Amazing Grass Chocolate Protein Powder
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 large banana, chopped or mashed
Directions: Mix dry ingredients together and then add the wet ingredients (milk, vanilla) and WHISK! Add chopped banana and stir. Place into fridge overnight.
It is very liquidy when you place it into the fridge, but when it comes out in the morning it is thick, thick, thick. Give it a good stir and then add your toppings!
The key topping this morning was maple peanut butter. I mixed 1 tbsp of peanut butter with 1 tbsp of pure maple syrup.
I also sprinkled some coconut on top.
Before & After comparison…from PM to AM…
You can see that the volume from the PM to AM actually appeared to decrease as the oats and chia seeds expand and soak up the almond milk. This makes it very thick!
Do Vegan Overnight Oats have to sit in the fridge all night long before they are ready (aka 8 hours)?
I have had a few readers email me and let me know that the Vegan overnight oats can be ready in as little as 30-60 minutes in the fridge! Good news if you are desperate for them in the AM or want to make them for an afternoon snack. They won’t be as thick, but they will be close enough.
Women & Breakfast
I recently came across an article in a UK newspaper called The Independent. Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan was being interviewed on her book called Tired But Wired. One of the things that Dr. Ramlakhan claims is that it is crucial to eat first thing in the morning if you want a better sleep at night.
The evolutionary-based theory is that ‘eating breakfast first thing in the morning calms and reassures the part of your brain that still thinks you’re a cave person, living day to day on slow-running game and avoiding predators.’ Dr. Ramlakhan calls this crucial period in the morning a ‘metabolic window’. This window is a timeframe in which you can give your body an important message telling it “there is an adequate supply of food, it can relax, and that it can fall into sleep mode when it needs to."
When I suffered from an eating disorder, I used to either skip breakfast or not eat for an hour or two after waking and when I did eat, it was often just 1 apple. When I was commuting into Toronto for work, I would workout, get ready for work, and then eat my breakfast running out the door (I do not recommend this!). My energy levels were always very low and I was unhappy and irritable, not surprisingly. However, when I decided to recover, one of the things I did was learn to enjoy breakfast again, just like I did as a kid. I think most of us start off as children who have a huge love for breakfast. I have lots of good memories of breakfast as a child…I would often help my parents make pancakes or eggs and toast on the weekends, or I would eat a huge bowl of my favourite cereal during the week. As a child, breakfast was a positive way to start each day.
When I started to eat breakfast again, I realized that fueling up first thing in the morning gave me so much more energy and started my day off on the right foot. Now that I have gotten into the habit of eating when I wake up, I find that I wake-up very hungry in the morning and my body seems to be in a better schedule. For so long, I consumed most of my calories after 3pm, but I feel like now I eat a large portion of my calories in the morning and at lunch and less in the evening hours. I feel better this way, even though at first I was absolutely terrified of eating a large breakfast.
As for improving my sleep, I am not sure on that one, but it sort of makes sense to me that if you don’t deprive your body, you will be a more balanced person overall.
What does breakfast look like for you- do you fuel up or skip out? How soon do you eat breakfast after waking up? Have you ever changed the way you approached your breakfast, such as by eating more or different foods?
See you for 1,000 words this afternoon- I need your help with this one! Have a great day :biggrin:
I’m basically evil if I don’t eat breakfast! I have a 3 mile cycle to work on week days so I try to have a fairly massive breakfast (with BSSVOO or cereal and a big banana/date/soyamilk/nuts smoothie) – even them I’m still starving by 11am!
Also, why do your oats go so thick? I use more oats than you and less milk but they still never seem to soak it up?! *sigh*
It’s because of the chia seeds! Chia “grow” in milk, giving a pudding like texture.
Chia seeds are great for thickening…otherwise if you are using chia, I might guess maybe it is your type of oats or the brand. I tested a lot of brands of oats for my glo bars and bob’s red mill organic regular had the best consistency at least for my bars. I tried other brands and they were very ‘flakey’ and not the same.
95% of the time I eat cold cereal in the morning and most of the time, it is the same brand (organic multigrains cereals from Costco). I can’t wait to EAT when I wake up. Per instance when I eat out for breakfast I always do eat a “pre-breakfast” at home first. When I was in high school I use to think that by skipping breaskfast I’ll loose weight… wow I do not even understand now how I could have believe that and how I was able to go all through the morning without FUEL in my body!! There is one thing though… when I exercice in the morning, I do eat a banana or a big glass of juice and eat right after like a mad woman! lol A do not agree or believe in the whole process of volontary fasting, even for religious reasons, it is just so wrong for the body.
I eat pretty much as soon as I get up – I’m usually pretty hungry! I used to avoid breakfast, thinking it would make me gain weight… Now I know that eating breakfast can actually help with weight control. Oh, and then there’s the whole eating when you’re hungry thing. Took me a while to get that one down!
When I was a kid, we never had breakfast during the week. Every so often we would get a box of lucky charms but it would be months before another simply because we were in a “hurry.” My dad would cook a big southern-style breakfast on Saturday and that would be the only morning time meal in the week. It has only been the last few months that I have eaten breakfast and I look forward to it every morning, I believe it helps me get out of bed. :)
I always eat a big breakfast, but sometime I do wait an hour or so. By the time I get the kids ready and off to school, I am more than ready. By waiting I can really sit down and enjoy me food instead of eating it between packing backpacks and brushing hair.
I always eat breakfast. I’ll be a ravenous mess if I don’t!
I can’t go without eating breakfast…it’s my fave meal of the day!!! :-D
I think my overnight oats are missing the banana…I need to add that back in! I don’t know why I didn’t do it before, since I ALWAYS add them to my hot oats!
The banner at the top of your site is really nice. I used to visit, but I haven’t in a long time. I just posted a vegan recipe if you’re interested! :)
i thought of you today on my run :) it was inspiring to hear you talk about only being able to run for a min or two in the beginning yesterday. it really is about surprising yourself by just keep pushing yourself.
Mmmmm, breakfast. I eat breakfast every single day about an hour after I wake up, or I think I’d be a cranky mess. On weekdays it has to be fast so it’s usually oat bran, grits, cereal, a smoothie or an english muffin with pb, but I’ve been thinking lately that I’d like to incorporate more protein and veggies into breakfast so that past few mornings I’ve had an ezekiel wrap with fat-free refried beans, sauteed onions, peppers and mushrooms, and salsa, with honeydew melon on the side. I thought this combo would keep me full for longer, but it hasn’t – In fact, it’s probably less calories than I usually have, so that might explain it. I almost always have fruit with breakfast, or as a morning snack, so I can be sure I’m getting my fruit in each day. I loooove brunchy foods like pancakes, french toast, tofu scrambles and potatoes, but rarely find time to make them.
Nice work letting the secret out about overnight oats! haha
I always have something small in the morning first thing before running, then come back have a green monster while stretching and getting ready for work…once I get to work it’s oats time! So “fuel up” is my motto too! But when I battled an eating disorder I was the same way, an apple or a fat free yogurt. I was miserable!
FUEL UP FO SHO!!! :) It gives me more energy during the day! I usually have two large pieces of toast (high protein bread) with nut butter and jelly and a blueberry-banana-almond milk smoothie on the car ride to work! Back during the ED days, I used to have a small bowl of cereal with no snacks before lunch. Talk about starving 20 minutes after breakfast and having to wait 4 hours until your next meal! No more!
Your breakfasts always look SO amazing!!
I never, ever skip breakfast anymore. I used to, and I was MEAN all the time! Now I have breakfast pretty much the second I get out of bed and it makes such a difference. I dont know how I ever made it to lunch without eating first. It seems like crazy talk now.
I must confess that I love my coffee. I start my morning with two cups.
Then, I make steel cut oats with two tablespoons of ground flax seed. I pour that over frozen blueberries or raspberries (I alternate fruit each day). After that cools (while I take my shower), I sprinkle turmeric and pumpkin seeds over it. I finish with 1/2 teaspoon of honey drizzled over the top. But, for the vegan readers, maple syrup would also be delicious.
I find that this staves my hunger for most of the morning.
Okay…I’m convinced! Must finally make overnight oats….Looks too yummy to ignore
Aloha!!
I’ve NEVER liked breakfast, although I do like breakfast foods at another time during the day. My mother had to beg me to eat breakfast as a child. My tendency is to not eat breakfast, but I force myself to eat within a couple of hours after getting up. If I eat first thing I feel nauseous. Since I’ve tried to be healthier for the last three years, I try to be conscious of not going too long before I eat, and making sure my breakfast is nutritious. It’s by far my least favorite meal (timewise) of the day.
I really need to try those oats. They look so good, but I’m never sure if they are supposed to be served cold. (I’m assuming they’re served cold?) Something about cold oats just kind of throws me for a loop, but I’m going to give it a try for tomorrow morning.
yup they are served cold!
I love breakfast, it’s always been the best meal of the day, ever since I was a kid. I find that I have to have my cup of coffee and water first, relax, and get hungry so I can truly enjoy a bowl of loaded oats, or on the weekends, a giant oatmeal pancake or some whole grain cereal with almond milk and ezekiel toast with nut butter.
Your overnight oats have just looked so tempting lately, that I may have to try them out when we get our next heatwave.
I’m a breakfast nut! I could never not eat it, my tummy demands it in the am. I usually eat more oats in the morning than anything, but I also am a lover of pancakes, waffles and eggs!
um… could you have possibly just enlightened me on why i can NEVER get a good night’s sleep when i go work out for two hours before breakfast in the morning? it’s happened to me three times and it really bothers me because no sleep = no healing.
i couldn’t imagine not eating breakfast. I usually wait about an hour just because I take the dog for a walk/run right away, do a little yoga/stretching, take a shower and then eat. It kind of encourages me to just get things going and finished so i can have breakfast. some mornings i’ll have a handful of cereal and some water when i first get up.
I alternate between cold cereal, hot oatmeal w/ toppings, green monster smoothies and toast w/ an egg on the side.
I have always eaten breakfast within in like 15 minutes of waking. Even at 4am when i get up for work, i am generally hungry when i get up. Some people think this is weird, but i love breakfast. mmm. i cannot ever imagining leaving the house without eating. too bizarre. i usually have oatmeal, but lately it’s been whole wheat pb toast and a banana. i think it’s the summer gettting to me.
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and my biggest. I look forward to my mornings and enjoy and good healthy breakfast and a nice cup of tea.
I use to loathe breakfast, but I eat it now because I know how good it is for you! Scrambled eggs and watermelon keep me going strong.
I do have to say, I tried your overnight oats (which are so tasty and great for HOT HOT HOT days here in Texas) and I had to stop 3 times during my morning run for bathroom breaks. (sorry tmi)
Has anyone else had stomach issues with it?
oh no thats awful to hear! =( Im sorry you experienced that.
those are garlic scapes
Angela, Have been reading your site for a few weeks now… it has been the kick I needed to simplify and detox as I approach the big 2-9 (on Tuesday!). Something has just clicked, I think you’re probably helping a lot of people learn how to make easy changes that lead to big ones :) Have been loving the overnight oats with banana soft serve for breakfast in the morning…especially in hot, humid Florida!!! I have chia seeds and chocolate Amazing Food powder arriving sometime this week from Amazon. I’m feeling better everyday. Thanks for sharing, for your honesty, for being real. :)
Kristin
Aww thanks for leaving me such a sweet comment…Im really glad to hear you enjoy reading. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!!!
That’s really interesting about the connection between breakfast and sleep. I’m wondering now if that’s why I’ve slept so poorly this week. Usually I make and eat a big breakfast right away (within 30 minute or so of waking), but this week I haven’t been eating until I get to work. I’ve also been eating smaller breakfasts. I’ve also been up later than usual (for no good reason) every night this week and I haven’t slept very soundly at all. I’ll have to see if I notice a difference when I get back into eating breakfast first thing again.
My entire life I’ve always been a “wake up and eat breakfast” type of person. Every single day, even if I’m running late. I can’t function if I don’t eat breakfast, and will feel faint if I don’t eat within a few hours of waking up.
And none of this talk about a single granola bar or an apple. I usually eat at least 2 bowls of cereal, or pancakes, waffles, or eggs, grits or oatmeal etc, and usually a piece of fruit and coffee.
So yes, I eat breakfast every morning and yes I eat a lot of it. And yes, I’m also thin, haha. The way I see it, I can eat pretty much whatever I want in the morning because I have the whole rest of the day to burn it off! So sometimes breakfast consists of leftover cake ;o)
Whatever the case, that morning fuel is crucial.
BREAKFAST is the most important meal of the day for me or I’d be dead in the water the rest of the day.
Fuel, fuel, fuel!!! I love breakfast! Always have! :)
I have an oatmeal pancake with nut butter or eggs and brown rice bread with nut butter! :)
Wow this looks and sounds amazing and healthy! I love it :) Breakfast has always been my favorite meal. Our family really loves homemade pancakes using Kamut Khorasan Wheat flour and it makes me feel great to know how healthy it is. I also love a bowl of Kamut Flakes cereal and fresh fruit smoothies. This looks like it would be so delish! Can’t wait to give it a try!
I eat breakfast as soon as I wake up. I have either oatmeal, a smoothie, or eggs and toast.
Fuel up!!! But I do not eat as soon I get outta bed. I have breakfast after 2 or 3 hours i wake up. i wonder if thats damaging or not..
I have always eaten something for breakfast, but when I was restricting I would just eat a slim fast bar or something and be starving all day :( I’m glad I realize the importance of a good breakfast now!
In my eating disorder recovery, breakfast was the last meal to return to my regular schedule. I was terrified of breakfast. I thought that it was nothing but worthless calories. But since I’ve started running, I realize that I need breakfast; especially if I’m going to run in the morning. If it is a day off, breakfast might come later in the day (brunch) but I’ll always eat something.
You might have found yourself hungrier for breakfast because you stopped eating so much at night. I eat breakfast every day, but I’m not hungry for it unless I have a small dinner the night before.
In your recipe book will you have calories/fat/etc? I think I read somewhere that you only go by how your clothes fit now but just curious…if not Sparkpeople has a pretty great calorie counter when you enter recipes that I could probably use.
Hey Celeste, Yes I hope to include nutritional info in the book. While I don’t count calories, I do recognize that many people want the info.
I just made a cup of this and put it in my fridge for after my bath. Do you think it will be okay with quick cooking oats? My husband bought them and I agreed not to buy real oats until I used these up.
Hey there, I’m sorry I’m not sure – I haven’t tried it with quick cooking oats yet! Let me know how it goes if you give it a whirl.
It was great. I ended up adding more oats and letting it sit longer because I didn’t realize not adding the chia seeds and protein powder would mean I’d have too much liquid. I also added coconut icy before I set it in the fridge. It was still delicious though.