Oatmeal is the cornerstone of many athletes’ breakfasts, and for good reason. It’s fairly quick, easy to make and supplies a steady stream of carb energy. But if you’re really in a hurry in the morning, overnight oatmeal, which you mix the night before and leave in your fridge while you sleep, is an even faster option. When you wake up, the bowl is ready for you to grab and go. You don’t even need the microwave.

Here are six tasty athlete-friendly overnight oatmeal recipes from across the web: 

Cherry Vanilla Almond Overnight Oatmeal

This simple recipe is topped with cherries and almonds, which are packed with antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fats, respectively.

Serves: 1

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup quick cooking oats
• 1/3 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup plain, unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp ground flaxseed
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch salt
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 6 cherries, pitted and chopped
• 2 Tbsp slivered or chopped almonds

Macros:

• Calories: 426.83
• Protein: 15.98
• Fat: 11.87
• Carbs: 64.02
  

[Get more recipes here, at the Spiffy Cookie]

RELATED: Powerful Vegetarian Recipes For Athletes

Banana Cream Pie Overnight Oatmeal

The banana in this breakfast is full of potassium, which helps prevent muscle cramps, and the chia seeds are full of heart healthy omega-3’s.

 Serves: 1

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup regular rolled oats
• 1/2 cup milk of choice
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• 1 overripe banana
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
• pinch of salt

Macros:

• Calories: 532.56
• Protein: 19.39 g
• Fat: 8.96
• Carbs: 93.59 g
  

[Get more recipes here, at The Oatmeal Artist]

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Blueberry Overnight Oatmeal

Topping this recipe with 1/2 cup of blueberries adds flavor and a host of health benefits. Those little blue orbs help boost brain power and fight cancer-causing free radicals.

 Serves: 1

Ingredients:

• 6 oz Greek Yogurt
• 1/4 Cup oatmeal
• 1/2 cup blueberries (added by STACK)

Macros:

• Calories: 305.06
• Protein: 14.47 g
• Fat: 5.38 g
• Carbs: 49.69 g
  

[Get more recipes here, at Pinterest]

Applesauce Overnight Oatmeal

The cinnamon in this recipe just might reduce muscle soreness after a challenging workout, per this 2013 study.

Serves: 1

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup milk of choice
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon or apple pie spice (optional, depending on applesauce)
• Pinch of salt

Macros:

• Calories: 461.43
• Protein: 14.4 g
• Fat: 6.43 g
• Carbs: 86.49 g

[Get more recipes here, at Cheap Recipe Blog]

Peanut Butter Brown Sugar Overnight Oatmeal

Be sure to opt for Greek Yogurt rather than heavy cream to boost the protein in this delicious breakfast (we did).

 Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 almost empty jar of peanut butter (about 1/4 cup peanut butter left in jar)
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned or quick cooking oats
• 2 -3 tbsps. dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk or any milk you prefer (skim, soy, rice, almond etc)
• 1/2 cup vanilla bean Greek yogurt or 1/2 cup heavy cream steeped with vanilla bean scrapings and pod

Macros:

• Calories: 936.17
• Protein: 36.33 g
• Fat: 40.21 g
• Carbs: 107.24 g

[Get more recipes here, at Parsley, Sage & Sweet]

Chocolate Banana Overnight Oatmeal

Like the Banana Cream Pie Oatmeal recipe, this concoction boasts a full banana, which can help hard-training athletes avoid costly cramps during a big game or practice.

RELATED: Here’s Why Athletes Should Drink Coffee

Serves: 1

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
• 1/2 cup chocolate milk (I use Silk Dark Chocolate Almond Milk)
• 1 banana (or just 1/2 of one)
• pinch of salt
• 1 tsp or more cocoa powder (optional)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
• 1/3 cup nondairy yogurt (optional)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• handful of chocolate chips (optional)

Macros:

• Calories: 660.74
• Protein: 22.1 g
• Fat: 12.48 g
• Carbs: 115. g

*Includes all optional ingredients except chocolate chips

[Get more recipes here, at The Oatmeal Artist]