Yogurt Parfait with all the goodness

I go back and forth between skipping breakfast for intermittent fasting and making sure that I get a nutritious breakfast in to start my day. When I am working out consistently I make a point of fitting breakfast into my morning and definitely if I have just worked out to start my day I need to get nutrients into my body quickly.

I am working on trying to consistently get more protein in my diet daily. Protein is essential for trying to build lean muscle. It is very important for us as we age and begin to lose muscle. Adequate protein is also key for those of us working to change our body composition by losing fat and building muscle at the same time. (More posts on all of this later!)

I am not a huge fan of yogurt by itself or of yogurt with fruit pre-mixed in. I actually just can’t eat it. I also have a hard time getting fruit in my diet. I sadly am just not a big fan of fruit. I eat a lot of greens and veggies, but fruit is a tough one for me. I’ve never even liked bananas (!) although I have learned to get them in by adding them to smoothies and on top of açaí bowls. I know….it’s weird.

I recently tried my very first ever yogurt parfait from a trendy breakfast joint in New Orleans. My husband went to breakfast and brought one back for me. While I will admit I was a little disappointed initially, because I was thinking of a hot breakfast bowl or fluffy biscuit (yum!), I realized he was being very thoughtful in getting what he thought I would want. He knows I generally choose one of the healthier menu options….so yogurt and berries it was!

In my effort to get more protein and fruit in my diet and to include breakfast more often I began making them at home. My older son has always liked them and gets them prepared at the grocery store or restaurants when it is an option. I have been making them at home for him and my husband as well. It is quick and easy. I just have to keep a few things on hand.

Super simple- Here’s what you need:

Yogurt

I like Greek vanilla bean. There are many options.

For a lower fat/higher protein option, Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt : Madagascar Vanilla & Cinnamon
130 Calories, 3 g Fat, 14 G protein in a 3/4 C serving

A good one that is a little higher fat/calorie is Noosa Vanilla Bean. A 3/4 C serving has 210 calories, 9 g Fat, 9 G protein.

I have been liking Skotidakis Organic Greek Vanilla from Costco. A 2/3 C serving has 180 calories, 6 g Fat, 14 G protein.

Any yogurt you like will work. There are certainly lower calorie and zero fat options.

Berries

I like fresh strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries.

Granola, Nuts, Cinnamon

I really like the crunchy texture of the granola and nuts mixed in with the smooth creamy yogurt and soft berries. I have a weird texture things with my food, so the smooth and creamy alone doesn’t work well for me.
You can use whatever kind of granola you prefer. I currently have KIND Healthy Grains, the Almond Butter Clusters, but I’ve used several different brands and types and like them all.

I use chopped walnuts. Again, I like the crunch of the walnuts. The flavor is a great addition. Walnuts https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-walnuts are also a great healthy fat.

I love cinnamon! I really enjoy the hints of cinnamon mixed in with the other ingredients in this bowl.

Honey!

Honey is our added sweetness. Just need a little drizzle back and forth over the top. I just like a little touch. It is delicious and adds a depth of flavor and touch of sweet as it gets swirled in while you eat.

You can certainly use whichever type of honey you prefer. I try to purchase my honey local and in glass rather than plastic. The Kirkland brand at Costco is local for me (Florida) and is very affordable, but does come in plastic. We have a variety of local options near us at farmer’s markets, nurseries, and produce stands. We usually have a few in the house at any given time. (My son Jack has an obsession with honey and bees! More on this topic in another post).

bowl of yogurt parfait with granola and fruit

Yogurt Parfait With All the Goodness

A delicious and nutritious yogurt and berry breakfast that is quick and easy to pack some extra protein and nutrition into your day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Servings 1

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Greek Vanilla Yogurt
1 Handful Fresh Blueberries
2-4 Fresh Strawberries Sliced
3-4 Fresh Blackberries
Granola of your choosing
Nuts of your choosing (I like chopped walnuts or sliced almonds)
Honey
Cinnamon

Instructions

Spoon yogurt into bowl.
Add berries. I like to do do mine in rows.
Sprinkle the amount of granola you like in another row or around your bowl. I use about 1/4 C. The crunch is great for me and makes a huge difference to add in with the texture of the smooth yogurt and soft berries.
Sprinkle some chopped nuts over the top. I use about 1 Tablespoon or so of chopped walnuts. This adds some heart healthy good fat.
Drizzle honey over the top. I go light here, but you can use as much or little as you like depending on how much sweet you prefer.
Sprinkle cinnamon over the top. Not necessary but I love the flavor of the hints of cinnamon mixed in with the honey and yougurt.

My New Favorite Quick Nutritious Breakfast