I eat oatmeal at least 6 days a week, sometimes twice a day. Here one of my favorite ways to prepare it in advance. I make it a complete meal with coffee, eggs (like this broccoli egg bake), some plain Greek yogurt and fruit, if there isn’t some added to the oats already.
Easiest Apple Oats
This is my go-to oatmeal. It is endlessly variable, depending on what sounds good to me and what fruit is seasonal at the time. Apples are the easiest, since they stay pleasant all week, whereas pears, bananas, peaches and such can eventually become brown and soggy. Canned or dried fruit are options as well, of course.
1. Set out as many reusable containers with tight lids* as meals you are preparing ahead (I make 6 at a time, eating one the morning I prep).
In each container, place the following:
1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
2/3 cups water
a sprinkle of cinnamon
1-2 tbs coarsely chopped nuts
1 tbs raisins, dried cranberries, or cherries
½ a chopped tart apple
2. Store covered in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve the oats, remove the lid and cook in the microwave 2 minutes, or until the oats have soaked up the liquid.
3. Serve with a little brown sugar, milk/nondairy milk, or Greek yogurt on top.
Progressive Strength 