Chocolate Protein Brownie Overnight Oats

Getting enough nutrients in the morning is tough. I don’t give myself enough time to make a fresh, well-balanced breakfast when I get up, and even if I do, I don’t feel like cooking. I started looking into overnight oats as an option but didn’t see quite what I was looking for that utilized what I had lying around.

Oats may not be high in protein, but they are a complex carb which curbs sugar spikes; they are also a good source of fibre which keeps you full for longer. And the internet’s obsession with Chia Seeds is well founded; chia is also a great source of fibre, keeping you full for longer, and they contain Omega-3, a healthy fat, which helps reduce inflammation. Flaxseed, that thing our moms rave about, well they’re right; much like Chia, it offers fibre and healthy fat. Some choose one or the other; I say screw it, let’s eat both!

I add protein powder to my overnight oats for an energy boost. If I know I’m in for a longer day and a later lunch, or perhaps had a poor night’s sleep, I’ll have a hard-boiled egg in the morning as well. This recipe contains no yogurt or milk alternatives, which cuts down the cost. However, I do typically use Whey protein, which is a dairy byproduct, and if you’re allergic to dairy, there are plenty of vegan proteins that offer similar products and benefits. If you’re looking to cut back on spending for this breakfast, you don’t need to use Cocoa Powder or Instant Coffee, either. I find that adding these two ingredients intensifies the chocolatey flavour and leaves no protein powder aftertaste, as so many of those products do.

I make this recipe in two portions because it’s the most I can fit in my NutriBullet cups; I’ve somehow misplaced the larger ones. If you’re meal prepping for the week, this recipe is easily doubled or tripled. How much water you use will change the consistency of your oats in the morning; feel free to adjust how much you’re adding: 1 cup will give a stiffer brownie-batter texture, and adding the other quarter cup will loosen it up to a more pudding-like consistency.

So far, I have only added nuts, seeds and chocolate chips to this recipe in the morning for a little something extra. I foresee adding dried or fresh fruit in my future but haven’t dared yet. Be bold and try what I haven’t! It’s another great way to get fibre into your diet.