Are Yogurt Bowls Healthy?

Simple answer: YES.

The more detailed answer: Yes, if you include healthy ingredients.

Similar to a smoothie, yogurt bowls are an excellent way to feed your body with a full supply of required daily nutrients. And if you select the right ingredients, they can be a healthier and more delicious alternative to your normal meal selection.

Yogurt bowls have been a regular meal in my weekly diet for years. They are one of my top breakfast choices (learn more about breakfast ideas in my blog Add Fuel to Your Day with BREAKFAST. I have found there are 4 essential ingredients that make a delicious, healthy yogurt bowl.

1. Yogurt: It is the base of any yogurt bowl, and provides a creamy consistency to help you meet your daily protein intake. 0% fat greek yogurt is my choice because it's fat and sugar free and has that basic tart flavor. There are also many healthy non-dairy yogurt options to consider.

2. Fruit: Fruit is the taste of the bowl, as it adds sweetness, fiber, and healthy sugar to boost your energy.

3. Grains: Granola or dry oatmeal provides that crunch you need to complement the creamy yogurt and ripe fruit. Granola's and oatmeal's common ingredients include oats, seeds, and nuts, which are linked to numerous health benefits. Just make sure to choose your grains wisely and opt for lower sugar, low-fat options.

4. Protein: Protein not only helps sustain and build muscle, but it also helps fill the void of feeling hungry. Protein powder is the easy way to add protein to any bowl (mix it into the yogurt). Nut butters and sliced nuts (think almonds, flax seeds, and chia seeds) are natural choices that also add texture to the meal.

Ready to make your 1st Yogurt Bowl? Here's 1 recipe sure to get you hooked.

Strawberry Mango Blueberry Crunch Bowl

Strawberry Mango Blueberry Crunch Bowl

1. Fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, mango, avocado

2. Greek Yogurt: non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt

3. Grains: Kind Healthy Grains Almond Butter Whole Grain Clusters

4. Protein: peanut butter, Greek yogurt, chia seeds

Ingredients:

• 1/2 handful of blueberries

• 1/2 handful of sliced strawberries

• 1/2 handful of sliced or diced mangos

• 1/2 avocado

• 6 oz. of 0% fat greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp of peanut butter

• 1/2 cup granola

• 1/2 tbsp of chia seeds

Instructions:

Mix the avocado with the yogurt in a large enough bowl so all the ingredients won't overflow the top. Add on the fruit, followed by the granola, peanut butter, and topped off with the chia seeds.

*Tip: the color of berries is associated with antioxidants. The brighter the color, the more antioxidants there are in the fruit. So choose the brightest berries you can find to maximize your antioxidant intake.

**Tip: to save time and energy, double the servings and make 2 bowls. Have one now, and save another in a sealed container and store in the fridge for another day. Or share with a friend. If you need more protein, add some protein powder.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

700 calories, 35 g fat, 5 g sat. fat, 47 g sugar, 80 g carbs, 16 g fiber, 25 g protein

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