I am OBSESSED with greek yogurt. I always either start or end every day with a delicious, creamy nutrient-dense greek yogurt bowl. Why? Because it is super tasty, as well as an incredible source of high-quality protein. Greek yogurt also contains plenty of probiotics, which improve ones health by supporting a healthy gut microbiome, and vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, potassium, and vitamin B12.
Yogurt bowls are a fun and easy meal that you can dress up in many ways to suit your taste buds and give yourself essential nutrition. To give some inspiration, I created a simple guide on how to choose the best toppings to create a nutrient-dense greek yogurt bowl that will keep you satisfied and energized for hours. Take a look!
The Base – Yogurt.
If you are unsure of what type of greek yogurt to pick, check out this article for a rundown of the best options in the store. I always pick a fat-free yogurt. My go-to is Fage 0%. Just one container of their 0% fat greek yogurt contains 18 grams of protein! If I know I will be working out hard that day, I will stir in some of my favorite protein powder to up the protein content.
Next – Add Carbs.
Carbs are the macronutrient that primarily fuel our body. Choosing a good source of carbohydrates is important for providing the body with the energy it needs to carry out its day-to-day functions. I opt for frozen berries, as they tend to be cheaper and last longer, but fresh berries are just as, if not more, delicious. Some ideas to choose from: frozen raspberries, frozen blueberries, frozen mango (my personal favorite), sliced banana, whole grain/high fiber cereal, oats, kamut, or granola. Feel free to get creative!
Lastly – Healthy Fats!
Fats are a critical part of the diet as they help the body properly absorb nutrients. Fats usually get a bad rep, which is why it is key to know which fats are “good” for the body. Choosing fats high in omega-3 fatty acids are very beneficial to ones health, as they have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to a healthy brain. Some examples are walnuts, flaxseeds, macadamia nuts, almond butter, peanut butter (a classic), or sunflower seed butter (a super delicious alternative to almond or peanut butter!).
Finally – Enjoy!
Use this guide whenever you are craving a sweet, nutritionally-balanced, healthy treat. It is a great breakfast, snack or dessert option to keep your body fueled and ready for the day. Have fun getting creative to your heart’s content!