Yogurt & Granola – a great team

When you are running low on time in the morning yogurt and granola are a great and quick breakfast. Both contain lots of nutrition, which give you a power start for the day. The protein in yogurt and the fiber in granola can help delay the onset of hunger, so If you need help with weight control then this little snack is something to consider.

One cup of fat-free yogurt provides about 8 grams of protein, or 16 percent of the daily value for protein, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. It is also high on calcium, which is an important mineral for building and maintaining strong bones. One cup of granola provides about 3.5 grams of dietary fiber, or 14 percent of the daily value. Granola is also a great source of vitamin D and iron, which is necessary for maintaining red blood cells. Other nutrients in yogurt and granola include magnesium, zinc and vitamin B-12.

Choose fat-free or reduced-fat yogurt instead of full-fat to keep the number of calories and the amount of fat low. Select plain yogurt instead of flavored, sugar-sweetened yogurt. You can always add fruits or berries for additional sweetness.

When it comes to granola please take the time to read the ingredient list. It will make a difference. As delicious as granola is it can have lots of fat as well as added sugar and sodium. Pick a granola that is low on sodium and fat as well as added sugars. Choose granola that is unsweetened, lightly sweetened or sweetened with natural maple syrup, agave, coconut or dried berries instead of white sugar. Add raisins, apples or bananas for more sweetness and nutrition.

See, yogurt and granola are a great team. Try them with different kinds of fruits to add even more vitamins and nutrition to your power breakfast! You can also have them as a snack during the day.

How about yogurt with a bunch of different berries, which will give you a ton of antioxidants. You like almonds for extra crunch and nutrition? Go ahead. Instead of almonds you could also use walnuts, peanuts or pecans. And if you like it a little sweeter add some dried cranberries or raisins. If you don’t feel like having granola just have just the yogurt with berries or fruits. It’s your breakfast; have fun with it.

And if you are really hungry…well… 🙂

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