By Keri Glassman, MS, RD
We all scream for ice cream in the summer months, and this recipe is definitely something to scream about, too. With less than half the calories of ice cream and loaded with nutrients, not to mention great flavor, yogurt is a healthy alternative to end-of-summer sweets.
I’m sure you have heard that yogurt contains probiotics. But read labels carefully. Not all yogurts contain these beneficial, health promoting bacteria that live in the digestive system. Probiotics aid in digestion and boost the immune system by promoting an optimal balance among the naturally occurring bacteria in the gut- helpful for staying slim in your teeny, tiny bikini. Aside from the gut busters, yogurt rarely gets the attention it deserves as an excellent source of protein. Adequate protein in the diet from sources low in fat like low-fat yogurt is a great way to stay satiated.
With a satisfying crunch, the whole grain cereal in this recipe contains vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which may help prevent cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
Although tiny in size, blueberries are mighty in nutrients. They deliver free radical-scavenging vitamin C, bone building vitamin K, and an antioxidant known as reservatrol-yep, THE antioxidant also found in wine that promotes long, healthy lives. Blueberries are also high in fiber, which we know is good for regularity, but also keeps us full. Oh, how sweet that is.
INGREDIENTS
Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 2
- 6 ounces low fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup whole grain cereal (Barbara's Puffins or EnviroKidz Orangutan O's)
- 1/4 cup strawberries
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or wheat germ
DIRECTIONS
1. Layer yogurt with 1/3 of the strawberries, blueberries, and whole grain cereal.
2. Repeat.
3. Top with sprinkled ground flax seeds or wheat germ.
Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN, is the founder and president of Keri Glassman, Nutritious Life, a nutrition practice based in New York City, and Nutritious Life Meals, a gourmet, healthy, daily diet delivery program available across the U.S. She is a member of Women's Health Magazine's advisory board and has two columns, Flat Belly Day and Lighten Up, in every issue. She has authored three books: Slim Calm Sexy Diet, The O2 Diet, and The Snack Factor Diet and her expertise is regularly featured on national television shows such as the Today show, Good Morning America, and Access Hollywood Live, among many others. She hosts the series "A Little Bit Better" on Youtube's Livestrong Woman channel and is a prolific writer and commentator with contributions to numerous publications and websites nationwide. Read more of Keri's tips every day: Like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter!
