Overnight success

Such a productive day!  First and foremost, I set up a job interview (hooray!), so…yeah.  There’s that.  But in addition to my latest career progress, I tackled more things on my to-do list and ate some amazing meals.

The night before bed I threw together a tupperware full of overnight oats.  I know I’ve mentioned it before, but I do like my oats raw.  When I was young I ate Quaker’s packets with milk like cold cereal. 

I guess today’s overnight oats are just the more nutritious version…

I wonder how long 2 1/2 pounds of oats will last me?

When adding ingredients, I tend to go with a the-more-the-merrier theory.

Both of these containers are nearly empty…meaning oats in a jar is not too far off. 

More bulk buys (so much cheaper this way).

• raw almonds
• raisins
• chia seeds
• flax seeds
• peanut butter
• agave
• cinnamon
• coconut flakes

Pre-water vs. post-water

Stirring up trouble.

There are several things that happen overnight which enhance the oats and improve their nutritional stats:

1. You get all the benefits of soaked raw nuts (ie improved digestibility and nutritional availability).

2. The enzyme inhibitors in the raw almonds get neutralized increasing the vitamins your body can absorb.

3. By soaking overnight, the gluten breaks down so digestion is easier (also phytic acid – which inhibits absorption of vital mineral – is reduced).

4. The oats get soft and soggy and soak up the liquid so you don’t have to cook them.

5. The chia and flax seeds are able to “gel” giving a more cooked consistency to the oats.

6. The raisins plump up to the most amazingly juicy things ever.

7. And, most importantly, all the flavors meld together, making one scrrrrrumptious breakfast with zero prep.

Side view of the oat expansion.

Just give it one quick stir, and voila!

Breakfast is served.

After such a detailed description of breakfast, it hardly seems necessary to go into such a lengthy breakdown of my lunch. 

Here’s the final product.

And here are a few action shots of the prep.

Balsamic glazed peaches (fresh from the Santa Monica farmer’s market), avocado, and baked tofu over spinach with flax seeds on top.

It took an hour to make from start to finish, but was WELL worth the wait.

As I alluded to above, I did hit up the farmer’s market on the Third Street Promenade.  It was an impromptu decision after I mistakenly showed up for my Apple one-to-one appointment a week early.  Oops!  Not too bad for a plan B.

I even made it home without spending over $3.  Success.

Contrary to what the following photos show, my dinner was not eaten in darkness.  I don’t know why the lighting is so bad.

I made hummus, which I spread on toast, followed by mashed up falafel.

I discovered Republic falafel at Costco, and these delicious frozen balls have been gracing my meals for the past month…I’m not sure why I haven’t posted on them before.  I guess it just goes to show you (try as I might) I can’t photograph every single thing I eat.  They are really good!  It’s shocking how the frozen form is able to replicate something that is usually best when it’s fresh (aka hot from the grease pot). 

After dinner, I did interview prep, and next thing I knew it was time for bed.  Time flies when you’re productive nervous. 

I’ll pop in later to announce the giveaway winner, so hurry up and get your comments in, you still have a shot to win!