Refreshing Strawberry Overnight Oats

This recipe got my hubby to jump on the oatmeal bandwagon so I just had to share it with you guys.   You  can prepare various versions of this oatmeal, stock up the fridge and grab and go throughout the workweek. It's easy to prepare and helps out with meal prepping for busy weeks. The recipe is refreshing and light and great for hot summer days!

I love oatmeal for so many reasons but primarily because it tastes great and it's super healthy!

Here's a quick summary of the health benefits of oats:

• Stabilizes blood sugar and extends the feeling of fullness: Oats increase the viscosity of the contents in our digestive tract which means it gives us the feeling of fullness for a longer period of time and also helps to keep our blood sugar stable. These benefits are likely related to the unique carbohydrates found in oats called beta-glucans.
• Smaller waist circumference, lower body mass index (BMI), and decreased risk of metabolic syndrome in adults have all been associated with oatmeal intake in recent studies.
• Oats have also been found to improve overall cardiovascular health. In a very large scale study in Denmark involving over 50,000 adults between the ages of 50–64 years, intake of oats has been associated with decreased risk of heart attack. Researchers conducting this study pointed to potential roles for both soluble and insoluble fibres in producing the study results.
• Oats provide a significant source of nutrients including: manganese, phosphorus, copper, biotin, vitamin B1, magnesium, chromium, zinc and protein (5g per 1/4 cup uncooked).

To prepare this recipe, begin by mashing the banana in a small bowl until the banana is almost smooth. Next, add in the strawberries and mash lightly. Add the lemon juice, vanilla extract, lemon zest and the chia seeds and stir until combined. Finally, stir in the oats and water and place in an airtight container (I like using mason jars). Cover and refrigerate overnight, or a minimum of 2 hours. Top with your favourite toppings including additional berries, as well as hemp hearts and other seeds or nuts to increase the nutritional content and particularly the protein content of this recipe.

Hope you give this a try and begin to reap the benefits of oats!

xx

Lara

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Refreshing Strawberry Overnight Oats

Yield: 1 serving

Author: Lara

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 5 MinTotal time: 10 Min

A great breakfast that you can prepare ahead of time and enjoy through the week.

Ingredients

• 1/2 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/2 cup strawberries lightly mashed
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• splash of vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/2 cup of water

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mash the banana until almost smooth, add in the strawberries and mash lightly. Add the lemon juice, vanilla extract, lemon zest and the chia seeds and stir until combined. Finally, stir in the oats and place in an airtight container. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or a minimum of 2 hours.

Notes:

Top with additional berries as well as hemp hearts, walnuts, almonds etc. in order to increase the protein content of your breakfast.

 

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