The Chopping Blog

It’s officially summer, and while there are still richly decadent foods to enjoy, this is certainly a time of year when people attempt to eat a little bit healthier and even add some exercise for the seasonal slim down. Given our short season, many of us try to make the most of getting the freshest fruits and veggies at farmer’s markets and grocery stores.

For me, my favorite way to complement the abundance of fresh fruit—peaches, blueberries, strawberries, especially—is through my little Greek Yogurt Parfait which I’ve become quite obsessed with in terms of starting my day right. I’ve since convinced others that it is a tasty, healthy and satisfying breakfast treat. While I know some people cannot imagine eating breakfast, studies show that it really is an important way to start your day for a multitude of reasons, including staving off food cravings and overeating later in the day. Of course, this is an easy habit for me as my mother never let us leave the house without eating something to start the day. I’ve continued that to this day!

I got turned on to Greek yogurt through The Chopping Block’s resident nutritionist, Dawn Jackson Blatner. I’d resisted it, but she shared that by using honey to sweeten the yogurt, you no doubt will curb the sugar you take in and avoid the fake sweeteners. So, I’ve come up with the following breakfast parfait that I hope some of you will try after a morning workout or before a big day ahead.

Tulie’s Greek Yogurt Parfait

Note: I make this size as it works for me but it can easily be doubled.

½ cup of Greek style yogurt (I find even the 0% or 2% are thick and creamy)

Honey to taste

¼ cup oatmeal

Diced fresh peaches or mango or sweet berries

Fresh granola for sprinkling on top

1.       Combine yogurt and honey in a small cup or bowl. Taste and adjust sweetness to your liking.

2.       Add oatmeal to yogurt and honey and combine thoroughly.

3.       Spoon one-third of yogurt mixture into bottom of glass parfait dish. Add one half of fruit and add another layer of yogurt mixture, then rest of the fruit and the last of the yogurt.

4.       Sprinkle with favorite granola for crunchy, delicious topping.

5.       Chill briefly, if desired.

Tulie O’Connor is a part-time Class Assistant at The Chopping Block where she loves the creative outlet of helping people learn more about cooking and learning from the chefs as well! In her “full-time” life she focuses on business publishing—helping/encouraging authors to write books, articles or other publications. When not working, Tulie is usually expending energy in a pool or at a Pilates class and of course planning or cooking her next meal with friends or family nearby.

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