Overnight Oats Recipe

Delicious overnight oats with raspberries and blueberries

Although it has been an important and necessary precaution to remain safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, staying indoors for over a year has weakened many people’s immune systems. Staying indoors for prolonged periods of time diminishes Vitamin D levels. Mineral and vitamin deficiencies are especially common in seniors, and the immune system naturally declines as one ages. 

Being outdoors and exercising also reduces stress. 2020 and 2021 have evidently been quite stressful for most people, and the added effects of having to remain indoors (and for most people, consequently causing them to exercise less) has increased many people’s stress and anxiety levels and generally diminished their immunities. 

Now that it is getting warmer and sunnier, everyone is stepping outside and exercising more, boosting their immune systems. Good nutrition is another way of protecting your body from illness and maintaining your health. By having nutritious meals, you supply your immune system with the necessary nutrients to strengthen your body, allowing it to properly ward off diseases. 

Breakfast has numerous health benefits, such as increasing energy, concentration, and memory, all of which are important and which shrink as we age. Oatmeal, in particular, is a popular breakfast choice and is very healthy. Oatmeal is especially beneficial to seniors; it is affordable, a great source of fiber and protein, easily chewable, and low in sugar and salt. In turn, it keeps you full, boosts energy, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, prevents diabetes, regulates blood glucose levels, and is ultimately a superb immunity booster. However, a situation may sometimes arise where you might grow bored of your usual breakfast meals and feel like switching it up, or you may have difficulty deciding what to eat in general.

If you are looking for a healthy, flavorful, and unique breakfast idea, if you have a sweet tooth, if you’re bored of your usual meals, or if you don’t enjoy spending too much time preparing food in the morning, overnight oats are a great breakfast choice. Make your mornings easier and brighter by following the recipe below!

Scrumptious overnight oats with chia seeds, milk, nuts, and bananas

Recipe

Overnight oats are an exciting spin on oatmeal and are great for people of all ages. This is also an extremely versatile recipe; many ingredients are optional and can be substituted or tailored to fit your specific dietary and medical needs or personal preferences. This is an excellent meal preparation option, which is one of many services we offer at Meaningful Living. If your aging loved one receives periodic aid, overnight oats can be great because they can be prepared in advance. This one recipe makes for infinite flavors and possibilities depending on what ingredients you choose to add. One thing we know for sure is that they are always creamy and delicious!

Preparation Time: 5-10 minutes

Cook Time: None! But you do have to leave them in the fridge overnight (hence the name ‘overnight oats’!), or if you like them hot, microwave them in a heat-safe container or heat them in the oven when it’s time for breakfast.

Ingredients

• ½ cup oats (steel cut, whole, rolled, whatever you like) 

• ½ cup milk (dairy, almond, oat, coconut, etc.) or yogurt if preferred

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

•  ½ cup fresh fruit

• 2 tsp toppings (cinnamon, vanilla, shredded coconut, dark chocolate, nuts, etc.)

Instructions

1. Grab the necessary tools from your cupboards and drawers – a mason jar, cup, or bowl, a measuring cup, a tablespoon, and a teaspoon.

2. Pull the necessary ingredients out and set them on the counter.

3. Place your choice of oats in your mason jar.

4. Pour your choice of milk onto the oats.

5. Add the chia seeds (these are great for fighting inflammation!) and mix! If needed, add more oats to thicken the oatmeal.

6. Add in your choice of fresh fruit (bananas, berries, mangoes, etc.) if you would like some fruit to be submerged in the oatmeal. If not, you can also add them the next day.

7. Refrigerate overnight.

8. Briefly stir your oats again the next morning.

9. Add your choice of toppings and more fresh fruit and enjoy your tasty breakfast! They are good in the fridge for up to five days!

Beautifully presented overnight oats with chocolate, peanut butter, bananas, grapes, and almonds

And there you have it! Your overnight oats are ready to eat. Check out more recipes on our Instagram page, and our article on three healthy breakfast ideas for seniors for more inspiration on what you or our caregivers can prepare for your aging loved one.