Wednesday, August 14, 2013

It's a fruity kind of morning

With summer in full swing that means lots of fresh, sweet fruits headed our way! It seems that whenever I leave the house, I can't help but return with more fruit! Everywhere I turn, from fruit stands on the side of the road to farmers markets and fresh produce at our local markets there are so many delicious options to indulge in! I think it's safe to say, I HAVE A FRUIT ADDICTION!

Recently I took  a trip to visit some family in Monterey and on the way home just had to stop at my favorite fruit and vegetable stand. It's a spot I never miss, and a place I never leave without getting something! Today's breakfast uses some of the fruit I got at this fruit stand with a mix of organic fruits from whole foods.

Greek yogurt is a staple in my house from salad dressings to sauces for chicken it is constantly being used. But perhaps my favorite way to eat this thick and creamy yogurt is just plain layered with an array of fruits, much like I did for breakfast this morning! Here's what I did:

Core one peach

Cut the peach into slices

Mix greek yogurt to soften then dollop on top of peaches


Wash blueberries and cut half of a banana


Add blueberries and sliced bananas



Top with unsweetened coconut and ground flax seed


Fruity Breakfast Parfaits:
serves 2

-1 peach 

-1/2 cup blueberries 

-1/2 banana

-12-14 oz plain greek yogurt

-1 heaping teaspoon unsweetened shredded coconut

-1 tablespoon ground flax seed

Directions:

1. Core one peach.

2. Cut each half into slices, making sure not to cut all the way through as to ensure a fan-like peach is created.

3. Place 6 oz of greek yogurt over each peach half.

4.  Add 1/4 cup of blueberries and 1/4 sliced banana over the greek yogurt.

5. Finally, top with one tablespoon of flax seed and one heaping teaspoon of unsweetened coconut.

6. EAT! YUMMY! YUMMY! YUMMY! 



Fun facts: Greek Yogurt
http://www.livestrong.com/article/233450-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-greek-yogurt/


Protein:

Greek yogurt has substantially more protein than standard American yogurt. Per ounce, Greek yogurt provides an additional gram of protein over typical non-fat yogurt. Additional protein can help you to feel full and satisfied.

Reduced Sugar

Greek yogurt is made by straining the whey off yogurt repeatedly to create its thick texture. Much of the natural sugar is removed during this process.  Greek yogurt has one-half the sugar of unsweetened, non-fat American-style yogurt. 

Lactobacteria

Greek yogurt is minimally processed and has not been heat-treated. This provides you with essential healthy bacteria, including acidophiles. Acidophiles and lactobacillus organisms can improve intestinal health.

Calcium

Greek yogurt provides substantial amounts of calcium, and the calcium in yogurt is more easily absorbed due to live yogurt cultures. 





Wishing you a healthy day, the Tori May way!
Until next time, 
xoxo
-T