Somehow I always find a way to sneak veggies into my meals, even breakfast! Even though this bright green jar of goodness may look a little strange, it sure tastes delicious. You have to try it to believe it.
Let’s talk about all the superfood goodness this simple breakfast meal is made up of. But first off, what’s a superfood? In my own terms, it’s basically a food that’s packed with nutrients [nutrient-dense] and is uniquely beneficial to health. Here are some of the superfoods present in my Super Green Overnight Oats:
[1] spinach
Spinach is one of the most mild tasting green veggies out there which is why it’s so easy to add to pretty much anything, from smoothies to stir-frys to omelets. Spinach packs a punch on the nutrition front as well. It’s full of anti-inflammatory compounds, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients [naturally occurring beneficial plant-based compounds, phyto=plant]. Spinach is a good source of niacin, zinc, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, B vitamins, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. Wow! Are you convinced of the superfood status of spinach yet?
[2] chia seeds
Chia seeds have become much more popular in the past few years, and you can find them at almost any grocery store. These little seeds are packed with fiber, protein and healthy fats, all of which help keep you full and satisfied. Chia seeds have a unique ability to absorb liquid and turn into a ‘gel-like’ consistency. The chia seeds in my overnight oats recipe is what gives the mixture its unique texture and thickness. They are virtually flavorless, so you can sprinkle them on salads, add them to smoothies or even just put them in water and drink up.
[3] blueberries
Blueberries are well known for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are super important to include in the diet because they protect healthy cells from being damaged,which in turn, helps keep you healthy. Blueberries are low in calories and high in nutrition, making them a notable superfood. They are naturally sweet and have a low glycemic index (GI), meaning that they have a low impact on blood sugar [this is a good thing]. They are also moderately high in fiber, with just a one cup containing 4 grams. Blueberries add natural sweetness and flavor to smoothies, oatmeal, salads, etc. and also make a great snack on their own.
[4] cacao nibs
Cacao nibs are essentially raw, unsweetened dark chocolate chips. The words cocoa and cacao can be used interchangeably as they refer to the same thing; however, generally cocoa refers to a processed chocolate with added sugar, while cacao refers to a less processed chocolate without sugar. Cacao nibs have a unique chocolatey, bitter flavor that pairs really well with sweeter dishes like my overnight oats. They also add some texture and crunch. As far as nutrition goes, cacao nibs are an antioxidant-rich food that also provides lots of magnesium, fiber and iron. So instead of a processed milk chocolate bar, opt for this much healthier chocolate alternative.
Now you don’t have a reason not to try this recipe. Check it out below.
Super Green Overnight Oats
Servings: 1 [this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled]
Ingredients
- ½ cup gluten-free rolled oats [I use Bob’s Red Mill Brand]
- ½ banana
- Large handful baby spinach
- 1 Tbsp almond butter [or any other nut butter]
- 1-2 Tbsp chia seeds [the more chia seeds you add, the thicker your oats will become]
- ¼ cup frozen berries [my favorite is blueberries]
- ¾ cup unsweetened coconut milk [or any other nut milk], add more liquid if needed
- 1 Tbsp cacao nibs
[extras]
To enhance the nutrient content or just change the flavor, I sometimes add extras to my oats. Feel free to experiment with these or add in any other extras you enjoy. My favorites include:
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Directions
Place ½ cup of oats in a pint-sized mason jar. In a blender, add spinach, banana, almond butter and coconut milk. Blend for 20-30 seconds until smooth. Pour mixture over oats. Then add frozen berries and chia seeds to jar. Mix to combine all ingredients well. Top with cacao nibs. Place lid on mason jar and store in fridge until next morning. You want to wait at least 4 hours for your oats to set up. Overnight is best. This breakfast
is meant to be eaten cold. You can warm it up if you’d like, however I’ve never tried it this way. You can make 2-3 batches of this recipe all at once and store in fridge for up to 3 days.
Let me know what you think!
- ½ cup gluten-free rolled oats [I use Bob’s Red Mill Brand]
- ½ banana
- Large handful baby spinach
- 1 Tbsp almond butter [or any other nut butter]
- 1-2 Tbsp chia seeds [the more chia seeds you add, the thicker your oats will become]
- ¼ cup frozen berries [my favorite is blueberries]
- ¾ cup unsweetened coconut milk [or any other nut milk], add more liquid if needed
- 1 Tbsp cacao nibs
- Place ½ cup of oats in a pint-sized mason jar. In a blender, add spinach, banana, almond butter and coconut milk. Blend for 20-30 seconds until smooth. Pour mixture over oats. Then add frozen berries and chia seeds to jar. Mix to combine all ingredients well. Top with cacao nibs. Place lid on mason jar and store in fridge until next morning. You want to wait at least 4 hours for your oats to set up. Overnight is best. This breakfast is meant to be eaten cold. You can warm it up if you’d like, however I’ve never tried it this way. You can make 2-3 batches of this recipe all at once and store in fridge for up to 3 days.
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