INGREDIENTS

• ½ to 1 cup of organic, plain low
  fat or non-fat regular or Greek yogurt with active probiotics
• A few drops of vanilla extract, stirred into yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of wheat germ

Combine with ¼ cup of any 2-3 of these fresh fruits:

• Organic berries
  
• Tart cherries
• Kiwis
• Peaches
• Apricots
• Apples
• Pears
• Melons

Add nuts and seeds for toppings:

• A sprinkling of slivered almonds
• Crushed pistachios
• Crushed walnuts
• Pumpkin seeds

Fresh Fruit Yogurt Parfait

One serving

DIRECTIONS:

Layer the bottom of a glass or container with two tablespoons of yogurt. Add a layer of fruit and another layer of yogurt. Continue alternating layers until the glass or container is filled. Sprinkle 1 tbs. of wheat germ or nuts as desired.

NUTRITIONAL NOTES:

For optimal nutritional benefits, choose plain organic yogurt and add your own freshly cut fruits.

Look for yogurt with live and active cultures. These “friendly bacteria,’’ also called probiotics, support your digestive health and immune system. Always check the package label for the fat and sugar content to avoid high fructose corn syrup and artificial additives.

If you are avoiding dairy, plain soy yogurt provides many of the same benefits as milk-based yogurts do.

Almonds
May lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, and help lower blood sugar after meals

Pistachios
Protects the heart and arteries in Type 2 diabetes; may lower the risk for pre-diabetes; may lower blood sugar levels after meals

Walnuts
A source of omega-3 fatty acids to help lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels; excellent for heart health

Pumpkin Seeds
A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and the important mineral magnesium, essential for heart health

Wheat Germ
A dense source of protein and fiber, as well as abundant vitamins and minerals beneficial to almost every function of the human metabolism