Blueberry and Coconut Overnight Oats

in Recipes

It’s been a while since I posted an overnight oats recipe (or any recipe – sorry!) to this space, so I’d say we are looooong overdue.

First, let me just say that it feels so nice to get back into the overnight oat game. Portland, Oregon winters called for massive bowls of warm, hearty, cooked oats with all the delicious toppings to insulate my every nook and cranny. Now that the sun is rising around 5:30 AM (morning people, rejoice!) waking up early and seizing the day with a jar of cold oats ready-to-go is the absolute best.

These coconut and blueberry overnight oats have been my breakfast staple for the past couple of weeks – especially for extra early mornings when I hit a barre class before work.

Simply grab the jar and go — and stay energized all morning long.

Coco-Nuts.

I’m having a bit of a coconut moment right now, and coconut butter is one of my favorite new ingredients. Coconut butter, also called coconut manna, is made from pureed coconut meat. Like peanuts with peanut butter, coconut butter is the ground whole food version of the coconut. Coconut butter is a delicious source of fiber, vitamins E and C, and plant sterols.

Coconut butter, and other coconut products like coconut milk and coconut flakes, is a supreme source of high quality, healthy fat. Coconut contains saturated fat, primarily (about 65%) medium chain triglycerides, or MCTs.

These fats are not stored as fat (eating fat doesn’t make you fat!) and are instead utilized by the body for quick energy. Unlike other types of fats which must go through lengthy processing before being used, MCTs “skip” the middleman and are rapidly absorbed. The processing of MCTs does not release insulin into the bloodstream either, which means that blood sugar levels remain steady. This is why MCTs are often used clinically for metabolic dysfunction, blood sugar imbalances, ketosis, and neurological conditions.

Let’s talk fat. Healthy fats are absolutely essential for a healthy, radiant body. We need fat for so many biological processes to maintain health including hormone production and synthesis, nutrient absorption, and to support cell growth and energy. This is not a plug for eating all the fats – all the time, without abandon. Choose high-quality fats over low-quality fats and consume in moderation. High quality fats to chow down on include coconut products (of course!), avocado, olive oil, nuts and seeds, eggs, pasture-raised dairy and meat, and wild fatty fish like salmon.

Ok, back to the oats. Now that you know that coconuts rock, you should know to mix them with antioxidant-packed blueberries and oats to create a perfect morning jar of goodness. I’m loving these jars garnished with coconut flakes, cacao nibs, and an extra handful of frozen blueberries for kicks. If in season and available, feel free to use fresh bleubs too – yay summer!

Vibrant blueberries + healthy fat-filled coconut + fiber packed chia seeds and oats + creamy coconut milk = a nourishing way to start the day.

Blueberry and Coconut Overnight Oats

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats (Bob’s Red Mill makes my favorite)
2 Tbsp chia seeds
1½ cups coconut milk
½ cup frozen wild blueberries
½ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt
2 Tbsp coconut butter
2 Tbsp almond butter
¼ cup coconut flakes
2 Tbsp cacao nibs

Directions

Divide rolled oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and frozen blueberries between two mason jars and add a tiny pinch of sea salt.

Pour ¾ cup of almond milk into each jar. Stir mixture thoroughly to break up any large chia or oat clumps. The mixture should start to turn a beautiful purple and blue color too – yum.

Garnish each jar with a tablespoon each of coconut butter, almond butter, and a handful of coconut flakes and cacao nibs.

Cover jars and place in the refrigerator overnight. Enjoy in the morning cold or at room temperature.

Notes

- I prefer my oats unsweetened, but if you are looking for a hint of sweetness, stir in a teaspoon or maple syrup or raw honey.
- Optional additions to these oats include Vital Proteins collagen peptides (my favorite way to support skin, hair, and nail health), other frozen berries, walnuts, pecans, bee pollen, maca powder, or whatever else you may have lurking around.

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