5 Healthy Additions to Your Morning Yogurt

Love it or hate it, it's hard to deny the health benefits from the creamy, smooth Mediterranean breakfast food. This thick and indulgent yogurt not only supplies a dose of gut friendly probiotics but is also packed with muscle building proteins and healthy fats. It's not just a breakfast food either, The ratio of protein to carbohydrates makes it an ideal post work out snack for repairing muscles and replenishing depleted energy.

I first tried Greek yogurt in Greece on my honeymoon in 2002. This was several years before it hit the US market by storm. At that time, our options in the USA were limited to what ever sugar filled yogurt-like products the industry supplied. I'll admit that the first time I tried it, Greek yogurt wasn't my thing. The Greeks simply add honey or muesli (dried oats). I was accustomed to the yogurt with the sweet "fruit on the bottom" but when faced with no breakfast versus yogurt and honey- I chose the latter. I have never looked back. Honey and oats are great additions to Greek yogurt but here are a few other options to make your yogurt a grand slam nutrition home run:

1. Nuts

Almonds are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Packed with important B-complex vitamins, vitamin E and minerals such as manganese, potassium, calcium, selenium, iron and zinc, almonds are also gluten free. Almonds are full of mono-unsaturated fatty acids that help lower LDL (bad cholesterol)and increase HDL (good cholesterol). 1 tablespoon of sliced almonds = 40 calories, 2 grams of protein

2. Seeds

Pumpkin seeds pack a ton of nutrition into a few seeds. These little powerhouse seeds contain antioxidants, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals that keep you fighting free radicals like a super hero. Seeds are notorious for being a great source of plant based omega 3 fatty acids, and are naturally high in zinc to support your immune system. Sounds like a super food to me!

3. Kiwi

A nutrient dense fruit, kiwi is perfect addition to your Greek yogurt. This tangy, sweet fruit provides a whopping dose of vitamin C in every bite, not to mention a heart healthy dose of potassium and vitamin E. Kiwis are low in calories but dense in nutrition, making it a great choice as a yogurt topping.

4. Pomegranate

Good things are worth fighting for. You know what I mean if you have ever seeded a pomegranate. The health benefits from this fruit are innumerable. Each teaspoon is packed with antioxidants, anti viral and anti tumor properties which are three times the amount found in red wine or green tea! This super fruit has the ability to reduce heart problems, cure stomach ailments, prevent cancer, reduce dental plaque, prevent osteoarthritis and treat anemia. It seems too good to be true.

5. Flax Seed

Noted as one of the most powerful plant based foods on the planet, flax seed was cultivated in Babylon as early as 3000BC. Known to help reduce cardiovascular risk, cancer, diabetes and stroke, the little seed is best known for it's omega 3 essential fatty acids, lignans (cancer fighting) and soluble and insoluble fiber. Don't tell my children, but I've been sneaking flax seed into their diets for as long as I can remember. A tiny bit, in powder or seed form, goes a long way and can easily blend into Greek yogurt without changing the taste.

The best way to eat Greek yogurt is by adding all 5 of my favorites at once. If you try it, guess what- YOU WIN! leave me a comment to let me know what you think or what's your favorite Greek yogurt topping.

Thanks for reading! Check back often for more food for thought. xx

#Breakfast #Yogurt #HealthyEating