Name: Gingerbread Overnight Oats (gluten free)
Prep time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups old fashioned oats; 3 cups Simple Truth vanilla almond milk (unsweetened); 1/4 cup molasses; 1/4 cup raw local honey; 1/4 cup chia seeds; 4 scoops Simple Truth vanilla whey protein powder; 1-2 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp cinnamon; 4 tsp chopped pecans (optional); 8 tbsp whipped cream (optional)

I’m determined to turn all of my favorite desserts into overnight oats by the end of 2019. Stay tuned, good things are coming. In the meantime, can we talk about these gingerbread overnight oats? I’m a sucker for all things ginger and gingerbread cookies are my weakness during the holidays. It just made sense to create a Clean Eats alternative as a gift to myself, and to you of course!

Overnight oats completely satisfy my need for a treat. Not only are they delicious, but they are full of healthy, hearty, protein packed ingredients you can feel good about eating. They have become a staple in our Clean Eats fridge and are perfect to grab and go during the holiday rush. Bonus they will keep you full, fueled and satisfied for a long day of holiday shopping!

Speaking of, are you done with your holiday shopping? I try my hardest to finish up by Thanksgiving weekend so I can enjoy December and spend quality time with my family. I’m not a huge Black Friday fan, I like the deals but despise the crowds. I’m more of a shop in my pajamas from the couch kind of gal. This year I was able to do 99% of my holiday shopping online over Thanksgiving weekend. The only problem with that is I don’t stay out of the stores and always end up with more than we need under tree! This year I am determined to hold strong and stick to my list.

Okay back to the recipe…

Did I mention how easy these gingerbread overnight oats are to make? I found all the ingredients at my local Kroger store, no need to hunt down a bottle of unicorn tears to create incredibly tasty healthy dishes anymore. Quality ingredients are becoming easier and easier to find locally and I so appreciate that. I used to run around to three different grocery stores weekly to grab specific ingredients, now I can shop at one and get it done! So helpful, especially during the holidays. Anyone else dread the grocery store in December? Thinking I need to jump on board with Kroger Clicklist.

How long do gingerbread overnight oats last?

Overnight oats can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator. Making them the perfect option for a quick and easy breakfast during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Most days I find myself dropping kids off to morning carpool and running errands right up until the second they get home. I don’t have time to make myself a hot breakfast, so twice a week I make a batch and my breakfast is ready and waiting for me in the morning. I also double my dinners so I have lunch leftovers for the next day. It takes no extra time but ensures I don’t get hangry!

I like to use these glass Pyrex Snapware containers I found at my local Kroger store to store mine. They are the perfect size (about 1 cup) and travel well. Mason jars would work also.

Can you warm up overnight oats?

I love the texture of overnight oats and I prefer mine to be cold, thick and creamy. The longer they set in the fridge, the creamier they get. The addition of chia seeds not only adds fiber and protein but a pudding like consistency that sets this recipe aside from the rest. Is gingerbread pudding a thing? It needs to be. If you prefer a warm oatmeal, you can pop them in the microwave for 60 seconds.

I like to top mine with chopped pecans for crunch and whipped cream to feel fancy. I served them for dessert the other night and added a gingersnap and whipped cream for the kids. They thought it was a gingerbread sundae and gobbled them right up! Mom win!

Six reasons to love overnight oats

Convenience. Fifteen minutes ensures four days of healthy breakfasts. No brainer.
Healthy start to your day. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, so make it count.
Protein packed. Loaded with chia seeds, almond milk and protein powder.
Easy on the tummy. Raw oats are so much kinder to me. If your tummy doesn’t love cooked oats, try them raw. The soaking of the oats helps break down the starches making them easier to digest.
Complex carbs = fuller longer.
Dessert for breakfast. Enough said.

Tips to destress during the holidays

Don’t skip breakfast. It’s the most important meal the day, our moms were right. So listen to me and go make these Gingerbread Overnight Oats.
Get at least 8 hours of sleep. This can be tricky when we are up late playing Santa Claus but I promise if you make sleep a priority, you will surprised just how much more productive you are during the day! Psst… if breakfast is ready and waiting, that’s an extra 15 minutes of sleep.
Move your body daily. You don’t have to join a gym or hit cardio like a maniac to move. Go for a brisk walk after dropping the kids off to school, download a yoga app and do a quick 30 minute practice or just take the stairs instead of the elevator. Just move.
Take a time out, as in let your brain rest. Put down your kids and your phone and breathe. This can be as simple as locking yourself in the bathroom midday to escape the crazy or scheduling yourself a facial and full body massage. Whatever it looks like for you, enjoy it and soak it all in.
Less is more. There is a lot of pressure to go over the top during the holidays, don’t engage. Do what works for YOU and be okay with that.
Quality over quantity in all areas.
Say no if you need to. You don’t have to attend every single party you’re invited to and you definitely don’t have to host every childs class Christmas party. You know what you can handle, respect yourself.

Remember the holidays are a time to be present and enjoy those you love, allow yourself the freedom to do so. I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing holiday season. If you make this gingerbread overnight oats leave me a comment below and let me know how you liked them!