5 Back-to-School Oat-tastic Solutions for Students & Teachers

Some people think students and teachers live a different world. WRONG. I became a teacher because I wanted to be a student forever, and it's the closest I could get.

Either way, both students and teachers have some early mornings and long days. And both groups are known for skipping meals--particularly breakfast!

Here are 5 solutions for enjoying your oatmeal during that dreaded morning rush!

1. Overnight Oatmeal!

Easiest solution. I receive dozens of comments a week about the ease and "brilliance" of overnight oatmeal (I can't take the credit for the invention of this meal, sadly). You could make this the night before, or you could prep several to last the week so you don't have to think about it every night. In the morning, the oats are soft and pillowy. If you don't have enough time to eat at home, this oatmeal travels well because it can be eaten cold or (if you have access at school) warmed up in the microwave! My recommendations: Chocolate Banana Overnight Oatmeal, Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oatmeal, and Banana Bread Overnight Oatmeal (follow the stove-top recipe but reduce the amount of liquid to 1/2 a cup).

2. Make your oats for the week on Sunday.

This is my preferred method of breakfast prep. I make either multiple batches of stove-top recipes (especially if I'm testing recipes for the blog) or one big batch of one of my favorites. (You could also use a slow-cooker, but I personally do not like the results.) Both stove-top and baked recipes last at least a week in the fridge. Once again, if you don't have time to eat at home, you can warm up in the teachers' lounge when you arrive at school. Check out Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal, Apple Pie Steel-Cut Oatmeal, and How to Make 4 Different Oatmeal Recipes with One Pot.

3. Bake your oatmeal muffin-style.

These adorable little muffins (I like to call them "oatmeal orbs") make great little on-the-go breakfasts. They're the healthiest little muffin you've ever eaten. I recommend Thin Mints Oat Muffins, Blueberry Oat Muffins, and Sweet Potato Oat Muffins. 

4. Make homemade breakfast bars and eat on the go (or while you're at your desk making the final touches on today's lesson).

If this is the route you want to go, I do not have a ton of resources for you, but many readers have told me that they reduce the amount of liquid in my big batches of baked oatmeal and are able to eat it like a cereal bar. I cannot vouch for the results. If you want something a little more "tested," check out the oat squares at Oh She Glows.

5. For teachers: Prep some easy oats in the teachers' lounge while you're making copies.

Measure out one serving of quick oats and put in a tupperware container with a pinch of salt and 1/4 tsp of cinnamon. You could also include dried fruit or powdered peanut butter. Pack with a ripe banana or a serving of applesauce. Once you're at school, add water to the oats and cook in the microwave. Stir in the applesauce or banana (mashed) when it's finished, and voila! Instant clean oatmeal.

**You can also find hundreds of other oatmeal recipes (as well as tons of other meatless recipes) on my Pinterest account!  You can also like The Oatmeal Artist on Facebook. Thanks!