Carrot & Cinnamon Overnight Oats
This is a really nutritious and substantial breakfast. I've tried a number of overnight oat recipes and found them really bland. So I made this one up and really enjoyed it. The grated carrot helps to give some texture to the soft oats, as do the seeds or nuts and dried fruit. You also don't have to do this the night before. I have made it in the morning, about an hour or so before eating it!Oats are high in the soluble fibre beta-glucan, which has numerous benefits. It helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, promotes healthy gut bacteria and increases feelings of fullness. Cinnamon has lots of health benefits too such as being anti-inflammatory, high in anti-oxidants and can help improve insulin resistance and prevent type II diabetes.I added some chia seeds and ground flaxseeds for extra nutrients. The are both loaded with antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, protein and fibre.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup grated carrot (one medium carrot)
- 1 tsp (heaped) chia seeds
- 1 tsp (heaped) ground flaxseeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon Add more if you like the taste of cinnamon. It's really good for you and it adds natural sweetness.
- 1 tbsp sultanas (or other dried fruit)
- 2 chopped dates
- 1 1/2 cups milk (You might might want to add extra milk before serving).
- Chopped nuts or seeds to sprinkle on the top (I love pumpkin seeds, walnuts also go well). You may also want to add some more dried fruit if you like it sweeter.
Instructions
- Simply mix all the ingredients together (save for the optional seeds and extra fruit to add to the top) in a breakfast bowl or a jam jar or container with a lid if you want to take the oats with you to work. Place in the fridge until ready to eat.
- When ready to have breakfast, add a bit more milk if you wish and top with the extra dried fruit and seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
Experiment and adjust to suit your personal preferences. Lots of people like using water, I have tried using half water and half milk but it just tastes watery to me. I use soya milk as I like to get the extra protein in, plus the milk I use is fortified with extra vitamins and minerals.
Oat milk tastes delicious, but it adds more energy (so just bear that in mind). Almond milk is also a good option, but it has little if any protein, but it should give you some calcium and other vitamins if the brand you use is fortified. I really like the taste of the unroasted almond milk as it tastes of Almonds (hard to get it though) and I like the Almond Breeze brand as it has a great flavour.