When you’re in a rush in the morning and can’t think of anything convenient yet nutritious to fit into your hectic schedule, it helps to have something ready to go in the fridge at all times. Enter: overnight oats, the no-cook way to enjoy your oatmeal. If you’ve seen this food trend all over your social media feeds, but haven’t taken the plunge yet yourself, this strawberry overnight oats recipe is a perfect introduction to see just how much this simple dish has to offer, and how fun it can be to make it your own.
Created by One Drop coach, Lorraine Chu, a registered dietitian/nutritionist (RDN), this low-carb, low-sodium overnight oats recipe is an excellent way to start the day on a heart-healthy note. Oats and chia seeds are packed with soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels, slow digestion, and may keep your blood sugar from spiking too high, while almond butter is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are good for your cholesterol as well.
Topped with strawberries, this recipe is also a great way to kick off the day with a serving of fruit—and it doesn’t have to be strawberries. Try swapping to blueberries for more antioxidants, bananas for a boost of potassium, or you can even sprinkle nuts on top for some extra protein. And, when you feel like treating yourself, add a teaspoon or two of cacao powder and a quarter-teaspoon of vanilla extract for chocolate overnight oats.
Perhaps the best part? It couldn’t be easier to prep a few servings every couple of days to last you through the week. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a Tupperware, bowl, or mason jar, cover, and refrigerate for one to two days to keep the dish fresh.
So, to make your next busy morning a little less chaotic and a lot more nutritious (and delicious), try our recipe for strawberry almond overnight oats.
Before you dive in, those who follow carb counting may want to note that this recipe has 20 grams of carbs (which may change depending on the type of milk you use). It’s worth pointing out that the carbs featured in this recipe are whole and minimally processed, meaning they still contain important nutrients such as fiber to help you stay on track with your health. That said, if you live with diabetes, plan the rest of your meals accordingly, and remember to check your blood sugar before and after this dish to understand its effect on your blood sugars.