Have you ever tried to change an eating habit? Or worse yet, someone else’s? Overnight Refrigerator Oatmeal is my attempt to move my husband away from a bowl of raisin bran and to a breakfast food with lower carbs and sugar. Have I accomplished this? Not yet. Selling BF on making oatmeal a regular in his diet will probably be just as hard as someone telling me to reduce mine. Yes, I want him to love it as much as I do. I guess that’s normal.
Who Doesn’t Love A Bowl Of Cereal?
When I was growing up, it was not unusual to have multiple boxes of cereal on the breakfast table. I’m talking a minimum of 3. When the boxes got low, we would mix the flavors. Not a problem. I think we hid behind the boxes eliminating face contact and conversation. Of course, we had a wide variety of morning personalities. The rule of thumb was one hand on the spoon and the other hand tilting the box to read every word multiple times. To this day I love eating a bowl of cold cereal. Now, with just the two of us, we don’t have the variety of flavors, and a bowl of Raisin Bran just doesn’t do it like Captain Crunch or Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Oatmeal = Love
My love for oatmeal dates back to my cereal days. During the winter months, mom would make oatmeal and cream of wheat sending us off to school with something warm in our bellies. For me, it’s been a love relationship ever since. Even as an adult and during my career as an account executive (road warrior), I would make a bowl of oatmeal before heading out for the day and eat it in the car while driving. I think oatmeal is a great start to the day and with the craze of overnight oatmeal, I had to try it. Bf starts his day early and on the road, so I thought the summer months would be a great time for us to experiment and find something that just might work. Now mind you, I have no problem eating my hot bowl of oatmeal in the summer months. I usually top with a little milk anyway.
Overnight Refrigerator Oatmeal
For me the benefits of oatmeal are real. I know there are conflicting thoughts because of the carbs, but I believe a bowl of cooked oats is a balanced breakfast. You’re getting fiber, protein, minerals, antioxidants and most brands are gluten free. That’s a lot of wins! Of course, I add lots to my bowl of oatmeal, like chia seeds, nuts, coconut oil, honey, and whatever fruit I have on hand. Now, this is a breakfast of champions! I will include links supporting my balanced breakfast claim.
Overnight Refrigerator Oatmeal is an easy no-cook method of making oatmeal, and it’s perfect for anyone on the go. The finished product is creamy with an almost pudding-like texture that is packed with not only flavor but lots of vitamins and nutrients.
In my search for an Overnight Refrigerator Oatmeal recipe, I’ve found three ingredients that make the perfect blend, and then you add your favorite fruits and flavors. I’ve tried the recipe in pint-sized jars, and 1/2 pint seems to be the best amount for an on the go breakfast. The three ingredients are:
- 1/4 cup uncooked old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
Low-fat milk and low-fat Greek yogurt can be used to reduce calories. I have included chia seeds in all three recipes. Chia seeds are high in fiber, iron, calcium, and magnesium. I eat organic chia seeds almost every day. They became a big part of my life when I knew I needed more iron and calcium in my diet. Chia seeds are the little black specs you see in the oatmeal.
Banana and Peanut Butter Overnight Refrigerator Oatmeal
I’m starting with peanut butter because it’s BF’s favorite. To the three basic ingredients, you’ll add peanut butter, honey and chia seeds. Just shake until mixed, and top with bananas. It’s just that easy!
Strawberry Overnight Refrigerator Oatmeal
For the strawberry flavored oatmeal, start with the three basic ingredients and then add the chia seeds and strawberry preserves (thank you neighbor Carol). Shake till mixed and top with fresh strawberries. The preserves are adding a little sweetness to the oatmeal just like the honey did for the banana oatmeal. Honey works for all flavors of Overnight Refrigerator Oatmeal.
Raspberry Overnight Refrigerator Oatmeal
I wanted my raspberries to be ready for the post, but no luck. They were ripe by the third day, so I was able to add a picture to my newsletter using some backyard raspberries. For the raspberry oatmeal, start with the three basic ingredients, add the chia seeds, and for a little sweetness, I used a multi-berry preserve. (thank you neighbor Sandy) Shake until mixed and top with the berries.
What Do You Think?
Well, I don’t have my husband completely sold, but then he always says “your next husband will like coffee and eggs.” Yes, that’s after 35 years of marriage, and he’s never liked coffee or eggs – two things I love.
Is overnight oatmeal something you’d like to try? I know oatmeal is not for everyone, but switching up your breakfast food and adding oats in some form will be good for you. I’ll be the first to admit that I love pancakes on Sunday mornings. Variety and balance are good for a diet, and we know there’s nothing worse than feeling deprived. Please consider leaving a comment for the Sock Box 10 community. We’d love to hear from you!
9 Health Benefits of Eating Oats and Oatmeal
Oatmeal Nutrition Chart – Google
Thanks for stopping by, Rose
- ¼ cup uncooked old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup milk (skim milk can be used)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (low-fat can be used)
- 1½ teaspoon chia seeds
- Banana Oatmeal
- 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ⅓ cup sliced and diced bananas
- Strawberry Oatmeal
- 1 tablespoon of preserves, jam or 1 teaspoon of honey
- ⅓ cup of sliced strawberries
- Raspberry Oatmeal
- 1 tablespoon of raspberry preserves, jam, spread or 1 teaspoon of honey
- ⅓ cup of raspberries
- In a ½ pint jar, add oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, your flavorings for your oatmeal. (do not add the fresh fruit just yet)
- Put the lid on the jar and shake until it is combined.
- Remove the lid and add your fresh fruit. The amount of fresh fruit may vary, just fill to the top.
- Stir.
- Put the lid on and refrigerate overnight or up to 3 days.
- Eat chilled.
- Yum!
I have never liked oatmeal because the texture reminded me of glue. Decided to try the overnight refrigerator oatmeal and was surprised by how good it is. Not much of a breakfast person but look forward to having this with my morning coffee. And, in case anyone is wondering, the oatmeal cookies are DELICIOUS, too.
Hi, Donna- Thanks so much for trying the recipe and I’m so glad you liked it. Oatmeal isn’t for everyone and the overnight version gives it such a creamy almost pudding feel and tastes great!. I’m glad you liked the cookies. Thanks so much for leaving a message! Rose