Frugal Foodie: Overnight Oatmeal

Now that finals week is almost here, you might find that your schedule is quickly filling up with tons of reading, writing and studying. With free time quickly disappearing, the last thing you are probably thinking about is what to eat for breakfast—not to mention why eating something for breakfast is so important.

Having a nutrient-dense breakfast like oatmeal is crucial for students. It will provide you with energy to take on the day and keep you full and focused, which is especially important if you are about to take a final.

If you are super busy and don’t have time to make a breakfast in the morning, try making overnight oatmeal in a jar. There is a reason this is becoming such a popular breakfast choice: you simply throw ingredients into a jar, refrigerate it overnight and wake up to a perfect and balanced breakfast on-the-go. Here are some overnight oatmeal in a jar recipes that are sure to make your finals week a bit more bearable.

 

Berry Piña Colada

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup old fashioned oats

1/3 cup milk of choice

1/3 cup canned pineapple, drained

Two tablespoons pineapple juice from can

1/4 cup vanilla yogurt

One tablespoon shredded coconut

One cup strawberries, sliced and chopped

 

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except for a 1/2 cup of strawberries in a medium-sized jar. Top mixture with the remaining strawberries, seal jar and store in refrigerator overnight. Enjoy oatmeal cold or heat in microwave for 30-60 seconds for a delicious and warm breakfast. Top with additional coconut, strawberries or pineapple if desired.

 

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fat-free milk or almond milk

1/4 cup plain yogurt

Two teaspoons peanut butter, smooth or crunchy

1/8 teaspoon salt

Two packets stevia or one teaspoon sugar

A little over 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

Two teaspoons mini chocolate chips

 

Directions:

In a medium-sized jar, mix together all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Enjoy fresh from the jar the next morning or microwave for 30-60 seconds for a quick, warm breakfast. Top with additional peanut butter or chocolate chips if desired.

 

Banana French Toast

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

1/3 cup fat-free milk or milk of choice

Two tablespoons vanilla yogurt

One tablespoon flax or chia seeds

One teaspoon maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

A sprinkle of nutmeg

One banana, sliced

One teaspoon honey

 

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a medium-sized jar and store in refrigerator overnight. Enjoy cold or microwave for 30-60 seconds if desired.