Getting consistent and nutritious meals is hard, particularly for a busy student with not a lot of money. Meal planning is the way to go. When you are on campus all day or have to rush to work, it’s always nice to have meals ready to go. Overnight oats might be a way to go, especially for breakfast. They are a great source of protein and fiber. The best part is that you don’t need to cook them or even heat them up. You just prep them the night before and they are ready by morning time. If you’re interested in incorporating overnight oats into your diet, here are three ways to spice them up.

Fruity Oats

This is a basic recipe to get you started in the hundreds of overnight oats variations. What is nice about this recipe is that you can substitute or add whatever you want. This caters to whatever fruits are in season.

Ingredients: 

• Rolled oats

• Milk of your choice

• Fresh fruit

• (optional) sweetener of your choice

In a container, combine ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup milk and an optional tablespoon of sweetener, like honey or maple syrup. Stir and refrigerate overnight. Add 1 cup of fresh fruit before eating.

Cheddar and Herb Oats

There is a misconception that oats have to be sweet. If you lean more toward savory foods, this recipe might be for you.

Ingredients:

• Rolled oats

• Plain Greek yogurt

• Milk of your choice

• Shredded white cheddar cheese

• Chopped fresh herbs of your choice

• Garlic powder

• Salt and pepper

In a container, combine ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup shredded white cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Stir and refrigerate overnight.

Gingerbread Cookie Oats

Here is a recipe for those wanting to indulge in the winter festivities, but still want to eat healthy.

Ingredients:

• Rolled oats

• Milk of your choice

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Ground ginger 

• Clove

• (optional) Sweetener of your choice

Combine ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup milk, ¾ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, a pinch of ground ginger, a pinch of clove, and an optional tablespoon of sweetener. Stir and refrigerate overnight.

Overnight Oats have plenty of benefits. There are hundreds of variations, sweet or savory. They can match any dietary restriction. They are cost effective and there is little chance you’ll get sick of them even if you eat them every day. It takes five minutes at most to make. Now there is no excuse to skip breakfast!