Better Yogurt is a healthy treat.

Greek yogurt, gluten-free granola, fresh fruit, walnuts, kefir, and flax meal =

A light and healthful snack. For some of you, it may be breakfast, but I know I need more substantial proteins.
Here’s how to do it and why:

Nonfat Greek yogurt, of course. Greek yogurt has been demonstrated to have more protein and less carbs than typical American yogurt, resulting in a longer feeling of fullness. It’s also thicker and creamier, so you can have the fat-free version while still feeling indulgent. I normally grab plain yogurt and sweeten it with honey because flavored yogurt might be too sweet for me, but this time I went for Greek Gods honey flavored yogurt.

Gluten-free granola with a crunchy texture. Since I was a youngster, I’ve had granola in my yogurt. I like to think that the extra grains make me feel satisfied.

Anything you have that you wish to slice up and put in your dish, including fresh fruit. It also adds a touch of sweetness. Prebiotics are also required to feed the probiotics (see kefir below.) In addition, there’s fiber and vitamins!

Walnuts – to fill up once again. Nuts include a variety of healthy oils as well as fiber to keep you full, so throw in a handful of your favorite raw nuts as well.

Kefir – Do you remember how important probiotics are? Yes, these naughty critters are beneficial to your health! Kefir is a fermented yogurt-like drink that’s high in good bacteria. It’s really formed from blgaros, which are little gelatinous/yeasty “grains.” Kefir is as close to being alive as you can get. I used Lifeway’s flavored kefir (which, by the way, is gluten-free!) Kefir not only strengthens your immune system and helps you avoid becoming sick, but it also contains probiotics, which help you stay regular. If you’re new to a gluten-free diet, you’ll want to get your digestive health back on track as soon as possible, and kefir can help you achieve so.

Flax meal – Have I ever told you how important it is to have a regular bowel movement? No? That’ll have to wait for another post. Flax meal is beneficial because it aids with digestion. It’s a gluten-free whole grain that aids in the cleaning of your intestines and scraping away at any remaining residue. Because most of us do not consume enough fiber, we have a buildup in our gut walls. If you’re new to gluten-free, getting yourself unclogged and doing it on a regular basis can help you recover and feel better much faster.

Granola with Maple Nuts
Filled with almonds, walnuts, pecans, and almond butter, this lightly sweetened granola is flavored with pure maple syrup, cinnamon, and a hint of orange zest. This filling granola is high in fiber and protein to keep you satiated.

4 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1/3 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup pecan halves

1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds

1/4 teaspoon powdered cinnamon

1/5 teaspoons sea salt

1/4 cup coconut oil 1

2 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 cup almond butter

1 egg white finely grated zest of

1/2 orange, optional

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Combine the oats, almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing basin.
Combine coconut oil, syrup, almond butter, and orange zest in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until smooth. Allow it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pour the syrup mixture over the oats/nuts and whisk vigorously until everything is fully mixed.

In a separate dish, beat the egg white with a fork or whisk until foamy. Stir the egg white into the granola until it is completely mixed. Bake for 20 minutes after spreading the granola in an equal layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Return to the oven for another 15-25 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown, tossing with a spatula and pressing the mixture with the back of the spatula to flatten it slightly (this will help generate clumps).

Allow to cool fully before slicing. If you want part of the granola to clump together, let it chill for several hours. You may jump in straight immediately if you don’t mind clumping.

Notes: This granola is gently sweetened. If you want it sweeter, increase the amount of maple syrup in the recipe or drizzle maple syrup or honey over the granola before serving.

Nutrition
151 calories | 15 grams of carbohydrates | 3 grams of protein | 9 grams of fat | 2 grams of saturated fat | 28 milligrams of sodium | 124 milligrams of potassium | 2 grams of fiber | 4 grams of sugar | 36 milligrams of calcium | 0.9 milligrams of iron