Cherry Vanilla Overnight Oats
As you all know, I have been on a bit of an overnight oats kick lately. A bit behind the trend, I'm aware, but, then again, I've never been super trendy. These have been such a time-saver in the last month, though! With work fully underway in its busiest time and my Junior League commitments still going strong I need something quick and easy but that still tastes delicious and leaves me satisfied. I will say it's a toss-up between these and my SunButter Banana Oats for which I like best. The SunButter oats are a bit more savory, while these definitely have that fruiter juicier taste from the cherries and the yogurt. I have resolved to alternating for the time-being because I really love them both. I can keep these in the fridge for a quick breakfast in the morning or a part of a heartier snack.
Not only are these great for a basic breakfast but these oats could also be a great post-run or post - workout meal or snack (depending on who you are and what type of athlete / exerciser you are) due to their combination of protein and quality carbohydrate. The protein in this dish is helpful to repair any large or small tears in our muscle as a result of exercise and the carbohydrate repletes drained glycogen (stored carbohydrate) stores and provides the body with more energy. A body receiving a post- intense - workout meal without carbohydrate may end up having to use protein for energy instead, which could hinder maintaining or building lean muscle. So, in short, this dish provides the protein the body needs to repair and build muscle and the carbohydrates it needs for energy and to spare protein.
This could be a good post-workout breakfast for early morning exercisers, especially if it's hard to eat something first thing. If you're someone who has trouble eating before early morning practices grab something simple like a piece of fresh fruit, dried fruit or dry cereal prior to your workout and make sure to refuel with a balanced breakfast of protein & carbohydrate like these Cherry Vanilla Overnight Oats! And if you're an athlete that needs more than this post-workout try doubling the ingredients or add an egg or two on the side!
Happy Fueling!
Taylor
OH SO SIMPLE CHERRY VANILLA OVERNIGHT OATS
Makes 1 serving (1 "jar")
INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons rolled oats
1/4 cup 1% milk
1/2 cup frozen halved cherries (they came whole and I cut them in half w/ a sharp knife)
1/4 cup cherry yogurt (I love mine with Siggi's 2% black cherry yogurt!)
1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
To a small or medium-sized mason jar* add ingredients in the following order:
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup 1% milk
1/4 cup frozen halved cherries
1/4 cup black cherry yogurt
1/8 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons rolled oats
1/4 cup frozen halved cherries
* my sister - in - law puts her in saved salsa jars , which I think is a great idea too! I'm trying it next time!
WHAT'S IN THIS??
Rolled Oats: fiber, iron, vitamin D, thiamin, phosphorus, magnesium, protein, carbohydrate
1% milk: protein, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B12, phosphorus, carbohydrate
Yogurt: protein, calcium, carbohydrate
Cherries: fiber, carbohydrate small amounts of vitamin C & calcium; currently being studied for their potential possible positive influence on inflammation and post-exercise soreness!
NUTRITION INFO (per serving)
265 calories; 15.75 g protein; 42 g carb; 7 g total fat (1.5 g sat, 0 g mono, 1 g poly); 4.5 g fiber; 21 g sugar (0 g added); 253.5 mg calcium; 95 mg Na; 1.75 mg iron