When the sun is shining through your windows early in the morning, and you’ve already begun to feel the heat, breakfast options are drastically limited. Smoothies, yogurt and cold cereal can only be eaten so often before you find yourself in a rut. Starting off in the same manner each and every day can only cause boredom and monotony. A case of the winter blahs in summer.

But who wants to slave away over a stove when the summer months are scorching enough on their own? Who has time to prepare anything filling and nutritious when every weekend is packed with plans for the beach and amusement parks, which require hitting the road in the wee hours of the morning if you hope to avoid traffic?

Well, when you put it that way…

With ingredients being so accessible, it seems like it should be a snap to whip up something cool to satisfy your early-morning hunger pangs. What’s more, it should be a snap, since nothing gets done before that aromatic first cup of coffee.

Have you been unconsciously nodding in agreement? You’re not alone!

Overnight oats deliciously combine the no-cooking requirement with the creamy and easy versatility of oatmeal. Even more importantly, they can be customized to fit every taste and allergy, along with being full of nutrients such as protein and fiber.

The basic formula for a single serving is this—½ cup rolled/old-fashioned oats to ½ cup liquid* to toppings aplenty. Simply mix the oats and liquid, along with any add-ins your palate desires** in a jar or container, and stick it in the fridge overnight. The oats absorb the liquid, leaving you to wake up the next morning and only need to fish a spoon out of the drawer before digging into breakfast!

*The more liquid, the creamier your oats will be. An extra dash of liquid can be poured over the oats just before eating if they are too thick for your taste.

**Chia seeds are a great addition to any overnight oats recipe, adding extra nutrients and increasing the absorption of liquid. Add up to 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, and an extra ¼ cup of liquid.

Here are a few flavorful creations to get you started on the overnight oats revolution.

Vanilla Berry Delight

½ cup oats

½ cup milk of choice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼-½ cup berries

Optional toppings: slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, drizzle of honey/maple syrup

Nutty Muddy Bananas

½ cup oats

½ cup milk of choice

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

A pinch of sea salt

1 tablespoon nut butter (may substitute any nut-free alternative)

1 banana, ½ mashed and ½ sliced

Coffee Lover’s Cup

½ cup oats

¼ cup milk of choice

¼ cup brewed coffee

¼-½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Option toppings: chocolate chips, granola, chopped dried dates

By Sara Linder

Sara Linder is a JLNJ summer intern. She is a Teaneck resident and a student at the University of Maryland-College Park.