Banana Overnight Oats
The classic duo, peanut butter and banana rides again! In this easy Banana Overnight Oats recipe, you don’t even have to do the work! Mix everything together and pop it in the fridge the night before and breakfast is served the next morning. The peanut butter drizzle is optional, but highly recommended. A deliciously heart healthy way to start your day!
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What is heart healthy about Banana Overnight Oats?
Actually, most everything is heart healthy about this recipe! Start with unsweetened soy milk – it’s high in plant protein and phytonutrients, while also being low in fat and cholesterol free. Bananas are, of course, known for their high potassium content; essential for heart health. But they’re also high in fiber, and naturally sweet! This allows us to completely nix added sugar of any kind. And let’s be honestly with ourselves – most of use eat way too much of the sweet stuff, don’t we?
Probably everyone knows that oats can lower cholesterol. Quaker and Cheerios have done great with their marketing! But it’s true. The soluble fiber – specifically the beta glucan – that oats are high in can bind to cholesterol circulating in your body and remove it (1). Switching your breakfast to healthy oatmeal is one of the easiest heart healthy changes you can make to your diet!
Lastly, but certainly not least, we add a handful of walnuts, which are high in monounsaturated fats, as well as a good source of fiber and plant proteins. All tree nuts and peanuts have heart healthy benefits, but walnuts seem to be in a class of their own (2)! Eating a handful everyday is a great way to show your heart some love.
What don’t we add? No added sweeteners of any kind here! Too much added sugar can lead to unwanted weight gain over time, and can damage the heart.
FAQs and Substitutions
Yes! Use any unsweetened dairy or dairy substitute you like! If you go with milk, make sure it’s nonfat. If you pick a dairy sub, pick one without added sugar, and check the protein content. Not all milk subs are created equal!
Not for overnight oats. Instant oatmeal will disintegrate to mush. I guess if you like that texture it’s fine.
Yep! That’s actually how I do it, and then divide it in the morning.
In short, pick a natural peanut butter with minimal ingredients. For more details, and brand recommendations, check out this article on the best peanut butter for heart health!
If you try Banana Overnight Oats, let me know in the comments!
You might also love these other healthy recipes using oatmeal!
Banana Overnight Oats
The classic duo, peanut butter and banana rides again! In this easy Banana Overnight Oats recipe, you don't even have to do the work! Mix everything together and pop it in the fridge the night before and breakfast is served the next morning. The peanut butter drizzle is optional, but highly recommended!
Ingredients
- 2 medium Bananas
- 1 cup Unsweetened Soy Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Old Fashioned Oatmeal
- ¼ cup chopped Walnuts
- (optional) 2-4 tsp Natural Peanut Butter
Instructions
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Place the peeled bananas, soy milk, and vanilla in a blender and blend on high until smooth.
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Pour evenly into 2 large jars or bowls.
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Add ½ cup oatmeal to each.
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Cover and refrigerate overnight, or up to 3 days.
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In the morning, top with chopped walnuts and more sliced bananas. Drizzle with a teaspoon or two of peanut butter, if desired.
