Getting the recommended servings of dairy doesn’t have to be a drag, yogurt just got a whole lot more interesting!

Yogurt is a great source of calcium, protein, vitamins and minerals but this is only the tip of the iceberg where yogurt is concerned. Many yogurts are made using active, good bacteria, something your body needs for a healthy digestive tract. You’ve probably heard such terms as “probiotics” in relation to yogurt and wondered what it actually means. Well, the literal translation is “for life,” which refers to the healthy dose of living organisms that come with every spoonful of yogurt’s creamy goodness.  While it probably sounds a little unappetizing to think of organisms living in your yogurt, probiotics are considered beneficial and are sometimes referred to as “friendly” bacteria. Too much bacteria can make us very ill, but too little can also make us more vulnerable to illness. Probiotics help to suppress the growth of potentially harmful bacteria and improve immune function, enhancing the protective barrier of the digestive tract, and help to produce vitamin K.

What better way to enjoy yogurt  than in a decadent fruit parfait. An equally great breakfast or snack option, fruit parfait’s can be made ahead of time, in individual portions to stash away in the fridge. Your kids and spouse will thank you when they can grab one of these healthy, tasty treats on their way out the door!

Things you’ll need:

• A high quality, low-fat organic yogurt that “contains live active cultures”
• A carton of blueberries rinsed well
• A carton of strawberries rinsed and sliced
• A carton of raspberries rinsed well
• Granola

Preparation:

Layer a few of each fruit on the bottom of a plastic container (the small, round Ziploc containers are ideal for individual portions).

Add a layer of your favorite organic yogurt on top of the fruit and continue to alternate layers until you reach the top of the container. Lastly, sprinkle some plain granola on top of each parfait. If you plan to store these in the fridge, you may want to put the granola on right before you serve it, to avoid it getting soggy. So easy and so delicious!