What’s The Deal With Those Overnight Oats? | Tana Amen (2024)

It’s become really popular for people to soak oats overnight in water or plant-based milk, like almond or coconut milk. That way, they can just grab them out of the refrigerator in the morning for a ready-to-go breakfast. But is this the best way to eat oats?

The Benefits of Oats

Oats are complex carbohydrates that are loaded with good-for-you fiber, as well as trace amounts of protein and fatty acids. Their fiber-rich content makes them a potent prebiotic that feeds the good bacteria in your gut. And a healthy gut is important for your immune system, digestion, appetite control, and even your moods.

The Downside of Oats

Despite these benefits, you need to remember that oats are grains, and they shouldn’t be the staple of your breakfast or any other meal of the day. The fact is that our digestive systems aren’t designed to process large quantities of grains, especially the genetically hybridized, pesticide-sprayed “Franken-grains” produced by our modern agricultural system. It’s no coincidence that when humans started farming grains and other crops, evidence of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer began to show up.

Oats may also contain gluten, the sticky substance found in many grains. Gluten-related issues are on the rise. And gluten sensitivity can lead to over 100 different symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and brain fog.

The Problem with Uncooked Oats

On top of these issues, there’s an added problem with eating uncooked oats. When simply soaking oats overnight without cooking them, they are more likely to be troublesome to your digestion than cooked oats. That means you’re more likely to experience those GI symptoms like bloating, flatulence, and stomach cramps. And if you already have issues with grains or gluten, these unpleasant symptoms may be more severe.

The Bottom Line on Oats

If you really want your oats, I recommend cooking them rather than soaking them overnight in order to make them less bothersome on your digestion. In addition, be sure you don’t make them a staple of your breakfast (or any other meal). In the old food pyramid, grains were supposed to be the staple of all your meals with only small amounts of vegetables and protein. Brain Warriors need to flip that so you’re eating mostly vegetables, a small amount of protein, and very few grains.

With oats, always opt for the steel-cut variety (not the instant kind), look for gluten-free brands, don’t eat more than ½ cup a day, and don’t eat them every day.

For a Warrior-friendly replacement for oatmeal, try my Power Breakfast Porridge on my website. You can also find my recipe for “Omni Oatmeal” in my book, The Omni Diet. You can get 21% off when you enter the promo code TANA21 at checkout.

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What’s The Deal With Those Overnight Oats? | Tana Amen (2024)

FAQs

What’s The Deal With Those Overnight Oats? | Tana Amen? ›

When simply soaking oats overnight without cooking them, they are more likely to be troublesome to your digestion than cooked oats. That means you're more likely to experience those GI symptoms like bloating, flatulence, and stomach cramps.

What's the hype with overnight oats? ›

Soaking the oats overnight reduces the phytic acid content present in the oats better than cooking them. Phytic acid is an antioxidant naturally present in grains, legumes, tubers and certain vegetables.

Is overnight oats actually healthy? ›

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

What Bracha is overnight oats? ›

Rav Schachter was presented with this question, and he ruled that the beracha remains Ha'odama.

Why do overnight oats make me gassy? ›

Fiber overload

Abruptly increasing your consumption of high-fiber foods, such as oatmeal, can overwhelm your digestive system, leading to uncomfortable gas and bloating.

Why is everyone obsessed with overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats is a true power breakfast that provides plenty of strength and energy. This is because of its high natural protein and fiber content that stimulate metabolism. They're complex carbohydrates break down slowly and keep you full for longer.

Why do bodybuilders eat overnight oats? ›

It's packed with muscle-loving nutrients like protein powder, chia seeds, and oats, to not only give you the energy and power you need for a great workout, but helps your body recover quickly so you can get back to your training.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

Here's what not to do when making overnight oats.
  1. Using water instead of milk. ...
  2. Forgetting to add salt. ...
  3. Using instant or steel cut oats. ...
  4. Adding berries to your oats at night. ...
  5. Not stirring your overnight oats. ...
  6. Forgetting to add spices and seasonings. ...
  7. Omitting nuts and seeds. ...
  8. Assuming you have to eat it cold.
Oct 21, 2023

What is the science behind overnight oats? ›

Overnight Oats Contain Increased Resistant Starch

Resistant starch is found in all foods that contain starch. RS is a natural carb and helps to improve digestion, aid in weight loss, increase feelings of fullness and decrease insulin spikes associated with eating hot starchy foods.

Do you actually leave overnight oats overnight? ›

Can I mix and drink them immediately? Or do I have to wait overnight? Waiting overnight allows the oats and chia seeds to fully hydrate and soften the oatmeal. We recommend waiting four to five hours for the best experience, but some customers do enjoy eating it immediately for a more textured, chewy oatmeal.

What is the secret to overnight oats? ›

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

Why overnight oats are the best breakfast? ›

Resistant starch is high in oats. When soaked overnight, the starch in the oats is naturally broken down, allowing more nutrients to be absorbed by the oats. This causes the oatmeal to swell up and absorb the liquid through every pore, making it a healthy and filling breakfast meal on its own.

Are overnight oats just rolled oats? ›

Tips for making the best overnight oats

Use plain old fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats. Quick oats will get too soggy when soaked with milk. And do not use steel cut oats because they won't soften enough to eat just with milk unfortunately.

Why shouldn't you eat overnight oats? ›

You see, all grains contain something called “phytic acid”—or phytates—in the outer layer or bran, and oats contain more phytates than almost any other grain. So, if this phytic acid is untreated, it will combine with important minerals in our body and block their absorption.

What happens to your body when you eat overnight oats everyday? ›

According to a 2021 review published in Foods, oat beta-glucan has positive effects on hyperglycemia, lowering blood lipid levels and reducing weight. "The fiber content of oatmeal is filling and satiating, which in turn can help with eating fewer calories throughout the day and managing your weight," says Michalczyk.

Are overnight oats bad for your gut? ›

Oats improve gut health

The Beta-Glucan in oats promotes bile-acid excretion which transports toxins out of your gut. The resistant starches found in oats also provide a rich food source for the friendly bacteria that live in your gut, which helps keep your microbiome in good balance.

Why do overnight oats taste so good? ›

Regular oatmeal is usually made with water and then topped with milk or cream. Overnight oats, on the other hand, don't cook on the stovetop, and they're typically soaked in milk or nut milk. The result is that overnight oats are creamier than their cooked counterpart.

Do overnight oats really take overnight? ›

Or do I have to wait overnight? Waiting overnight allows the oats and chia seeds to fully hydrate and soften the oatmeal. We recommend waiting four to five hours for the best experience, but some customers do enjoy eating it immediately for a more textured, chewy oatmeal.

Why are overnight oats good for your gut? ›

The Beta-Glucan in oats promotes bile-acid excretion which transports toxins out of your gut. The resistant starches found in oats also provide a rich food source for the friendly bacteria that live in your gut, which helps keep your microbiome in good balance.

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