Ginger and Banana Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are one of my favorite breakfast items to make. Although oats contain some fiber, it is soluble fiber which I find easier to digest.

Although some people have issues with oats, I find I am fine with gluten-free oats but you can choose which kind to use that suits you. Overnight oats, in which you soak oats in milk and/or yogurt make them mushy and soft; so it makes for a lovely gentle breakfast.

You can add almost anything to overnight oats but I find things like strawberries and dried fruit too high in fiber. I find adding some chopped banana and grated ginger a better option for me; hence these ginger and banana overnight oats.

Chia seeds and peanut butter are both optional here depending on if they're triggers. They're both really good sources of fats but I only use chia seeds in very very small quantities as I find they can have a laxative effect in bigger quantities (they're high in fiber)!

I am fine with peanut butter so I will stir some in for an extra creamy taste.

Ingredients: ginger and banana overnight oats

• 1/2 cup of oats (gluten-free or regular)
• 1/2 cup of almond milk
• 1 banana
• 1-2 inch piece of ginger
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of chia seeds (optional)
• 2 tablespoon of  dairy-free yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of nut butter (optional)

Directions for ginger and banana overnight oats

1. Pour the oats into a mason jar container.
2. Pour over milk and spoon over yogurt (the above are my measurements but it depends on the size of your jar-the key is just to completely cover the oats so there are no dry oats left).
3. Peel and chop the banana and add to the jar; stirring with the milk and yogurt.
4. Now add your peanut butter and chia seeds (if using) and mix so the banana, oats, liquids, peanut butter, and chia seeds are all evenly distributed.
5. Make sure there are no areas of dry uncovered oats clumped at the bottom!
6. Seal/put the lid on the mason jar and refrigerate overnight.
7. Enjoy straight from the fridge the next day or heat up gently on the hob for a few minutes.

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When it comes to cooking with IBD, we're all working from a different set of ingredients. Food sensitivities and dietary restrictions vary greatly from person to person, and there is no one diet recommended for Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. Check out our full list of recipes for more ideas – all from people who cook, eat, and live with IBD!