Why you should be eating … overnight oats
Food fads come and go but one that seems destined to stick around is overnight oats. Oatmeal has always been a popular breakfast choice, particularly on these chilly Tassie winter mornings, but overnight oats may offer even more possibilities and benefits than their cooked counterpart.
Overnight oats are raw oats that are soaked overnight in liquid. The oats absorb the liquid which makes them soft in the same way that cooking does and you can try different liquids and toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Packed with important nutrients like fibre, protein, potassium, magnesium and omega 3, oats are a sound nutritional choice. The process of soaking oats overnight helps starches break down and reduces phytic acid making it easier for your body to utilise the nutrients in the oats than in oats that are cooked in the traditional way. This is especially significant for those with gluten sensitivities.
Overnight oats can be soaked in a variety of liquids; milk is the most popular (including almond, soy, coconut or other plant based varieties) but you can also use yoghurt or fruit juice. This versatility extends to other ingredients that you use in overnight oats. If you want to add sweetener you can opt for honey, maple syrup or sugar. You can include chia seeds, flaxseed, coconut flakes, nuts, nut butters, spices, fruit (fresh or dried), coconut oil and protein powder. This variety means that you can mix things up and never get bored with overnight oats.
