Try this easy, plan-ahead breakfast for busy days

If you’re looking for a simple breakfast that’s healthy, keeps you full until lunch, and is waiting for you in the morning, look no further. Overnight oats – or oats soaked in water, milk or yogurt overnight then topped with your choice of ingredients – are a perfect pick for a healthy start to your day. You’ll get cholesterol-lowering and blood-sugar steadying soluble fiber to help you power through until lunch. And best of all, no cooking required.

Below are seven flavorful combinations to get you off to a good start.

Extraordinary overnight oats master recipe – one serving

  • ½ cup oats (preferably rolled or “old fashioned”).
  • ½ cup water, milk (low-fat or non-fat preferred) or yogurt of your choice (regular, soy, almond or other).

In a small bowl, combine your oats and liquid or yogurt. Set in your refrigerator overnight. In the morning, top with any of the following flavor combinations. It’s really that easy!

Tip: For overnight oats on the go, combine the above ingredients in a Mason jar instead of a bowl. Add your toppings and set in your fridge. (If you’re using bananas or nuts, it’s best to add those in the morning before you head out the door.)

Berry Bliss

  • ¼ cup chopped strawberries.
  • ¼ cup blueberries.
  • 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed.
  • ¼ tsp vanilla.
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon.

This recipe boasts lots of good-for-you nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, vitamin K, manganese, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.

Banana Bread

  • ½ banana, sliced.
  • 1 Tbsp chopped walnuts.
  • ¼ tsp vanilla.
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon.
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar.

This recipe contains potassium, omega-3 fatty acids and can regulate your blood sugar.

Peanut Butter

  • 1 Tbsp peanut butter.
  • ¼ tsp vanilla.
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon.
  • 1 tsp raw honey.

Mocha Madness

  • Substitute ¼ cup leftover coffee for half of your base liquid.
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder.
  • ½ tsp vanilla.
  • 1 Tbsp raw sugar.

Fruit & Nuts

  • ¼ cup sultanas (yellow raisins).
  • ¼ cup sliced Marcona almonds.
  • ¼ tsp almond extract.
  • ¼ tsp ground cardamom.

Chocolate Dream

  • 1 Tbsp cocoa powder.
  • ½ tsp vanilla.
  • 1 tsp agave nectar.
  • 1 tsp dark chocolate shavings.

Pumpkin Pie

  • ¼ cup canned pumpkin (not filling).
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup.
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon.
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg.

Nutrition information

Serving: ½ cup dried oats (40g), 150 calories*, 3g fat, 4g dietary fiber, 2g soluble fiber, 1g sugar, 5 g protein. *Calories will be higher if milk or yogurt are used instead of water as well as for flavor options including fruit, nuts, seeds or chocolate.