I have always been a big proponent of boosting the immune system at all times, but especially during this time of year and given the current circumstances. In fact, one of my original blogposts waaaaaay back in the day was about how to strengthen immunity. It is nearly impossible to avoid germs, just the way it is impossible to avoid obstacles and challenges in life. The best line of defense is to build the strongest immune system we can (or a tough constitution and attitude, as the case may be). (Yes there are some metaphors for life woven in there.) One of my strategies is to prepare as much of my family’s food as possible, and in today’s post, I am excited to share a delicious breakfast naturally sweetened with Florida Orange Juice.
If you’ve been hanging around me for a while, you know that I try to incorporate as many foods with benefits in my diet and minimize or avoid foods that create inflammation or suppress the immune system. One of the first foods that comes to mind that negatively affects our natural processes, including our immune function, is sugar in all forms. Natural sugars may have similar effects but more often come with key nutrients to help support immunity. One of the sweeteners that I have used for decades in my recipes both in classes and in my cookbooks in place of processed sweeteners is 100% orange juice.
Florida Orange Juice is a delicious sweetener that comes naturally with key nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, potassium, thiamin and vitamin D (in fortified juices) that can help support the immune system all year long and during cold and flu season. The immune system is complex and needs a constant supply of essential nutrients to support its function.
Always remember that nutrients that come from nature are better than synthetic vitamins and ones that have been isolated. Nature provides us with unique packages of nutrients in our plant foods that work together synergistically. Besides being an excellent source of vitamin C, which we know protects the cells and promotes the production and function of immune cells, 100% orange juice contains a unique polyphenol called hesperidin which may have a number of benefits to the immune system including helping to fight inflammation.
In addition to incorporating key nutrients in our diet, we also need to make sure we stay well hydrated. Florida Orange Juice contains mostly water, in addition to natural electrolytes. I decided to change up my basic overnight oats and make them more flavorful and with added nutrients but without the addition of processed sweeteners, and instead swap in 100% orange juice for a delicious citrus flavor and natural sweetness. And to give these oats added oomph, I have also added vanilla, cinnamon and crunchy cacao nibs. I love all these flavors together. The sweet and tangy OJ is balanced really well from the bitter cacao and the warm cinnamon. Plus, they’re called overnight oats for a reason! Make them the night before for an easy grab-and-go breakfast and have fun playing around with other add-ins like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit.
If you make this recipe, please tag me so I can see your creation and I may even repost it! @pamelasalzman #pamelasalzman Stay healthy!
Orange Juice-Cinnamon Overnight Oats with Cacao Nibs
Ingredients
- 1 cup 100% orange juice
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup almond milk, unsweetened or sweetened (or milk of choice) or half yogurt, half almond milk for a thicker porridge
- 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Scoop of collagen powder, if desired
- 2 Tablespoons raw cacao nibs
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir to combine so that all the ingredients are covered with liquid.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
- Remove from the refrigerator and stir once to blend the chia seeds throughout. Eat as is or with desired toppings.
Notes
Use fortified orange juice to get even more immune-supporting nutrients
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
How many nights can this last in the refrigerator?
about 4. Just give it a stir before serving because it might separate a little.
I’ve made this a few times now. Love the flavor!
So glad to hear that! It’s a great combo for a smoothie, too!
Have made these multiple times and the whole family loves them! New breakfast staple! Thank you!!!
Great! I just made them the other day again and added cooked apple and pecans. Delicious!
I followed the recipe, only substituting cow’s milk because I didn’t have any almond milk, and I was not at all a fan of the flavor combination. I’m sure it’s healthy, but I think I’ll stick with my classic peanut butter and berries recipe.
Two stars because it was edible and introduced me to cacao nibs.
Sorry you didn’t love the flavor combo!
I love this new variation of soaked oats- with orange juice! I have soaked my oats overnight with lemon juice water for a while now. But then I need more sweetener to balance out the sour. I bet the orange juice will still help neutralize phytic acid but also double as the sweetener!? I also love the addition of the other very nutritious chia seeds, collagen, etc! I can’t wait to try it! Thank you!
Yes it will!
Pamela, we try to use steel-cut oats (instead of old fashioned rolled oats)
do you think this recipe will work with steel cut oats?
THANK YOU!
xo
Yes, BUT the oats will be a bit crunchy.