Confession: I love coconut. And all that goes into one of those rich and creamy pina colada drinks. Virgin of course 🙂
But another thing I love is yogurt! It is such a great thing to have on hand as it is so versatile, I know I use it every day at least once! It is great on its own with fruit, added into smoothies and shakes, or even as a great base for sauces and dips instead of your typical mayonnaise or sour cream!
My favorite way to use it is for breakfast parfaits. I love making delicious layers of whatever I am feeling that day. Today, I was feeling like a refreshing pina colada on this hot, summer day. Not to mention I had some fresh pineapple and banana that needed to be used soon 🙂
This is a protein packed and delicious way to start off your morning! And it is so easily tailored to whatever you like. Switch out the fruit for another kind, add in your own spices and extracts, and you could have a whole different breakfast! Certainly a great choice.
And guess what? I even sneaked in some of those wonderfully nutritious little seeds called chia seeds. It is such a great way to make a thick yogurt or pudding consistency! They have so many benefits, but one of the greatest being hydration (read all 10 below recipe!). Haven’t tried chia before? You should give it a try! Very tasteless yet adds a great texture. Plus, you are offering your body amazing nutrition through using them!
- [b]Other Ingredients[/b]
- 1/2 cup fresh Pineapple, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup Puffed Rice Cereal or 1/4 cup Rolled Oats
- [br]
- [b]Banana Pudding Layer[/b]
- 1/2 large Banana, very ripe, mashed
- 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
- Optional: Added sweetener to taste
- [br]
- [b]Coconut Layer[/b]
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
- 1 tsp Coconut Extract
- 1 tablespoon Raw Honey
- Mix all ingredients for banana pudding layer together in small bowl.
- Set aside in fridge to thicken.
- Mix together all ingredients for coconut layer together in separate bowl, set aside.
- In a parfait glass or (or type of cup), place a layer of pineapple, then banana pudding, then 1/4 cup cereal or 2T oats. Repeat once more. Enjoy!
Coconut Benefits
1)Fights viruses and bacteria growth in body
2)Fights yeast, fungus, and candida
3) Positively affects hormones for thyroid and blood-sugar control which leads to increase metabolism, energy and endurance
4)Aids in digestion
5)Absorbs fat soluble vitamins
6)Lowers cholesterol
7)Special fat called medium chain triglycerides (Research shows 2T a day allowed women not only to gain less weight but lower abdominal fat)
doctoroz.com
Raw Honey Benefits
1) Alkaline-forming food that contains natural vitamins, enzymes, and powerful antioxidants
2)Anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fingal properties
3)Promotes body and digestive health
4)Strengthens immune system
5)Eliminates allergies
6)Excellent remedy for skin wounds and infections
7)Stabilizes blood pressure
8)Relieves pain
9)Calm nerves
Chia Seeds
1) Combats Diabetes: with its gelatinous coating it can prevent blood sugar spikes, and is also slow digesting which has lead to it being a possible treatment for diabetes
2) High in fiber: just 1 oz. has 1/3 of daily needed amount
3) Packed with Omega 3 Fatty Acids
4) Supports Bone and Teeth Health: packed with calcium
5) High in Manganese: an essential mineral for your bones
6) Rich in Phosphorous: aids body in synthesizing protein for cell and also maintaining healthy bones
7) High in protein: great source for vegetarians
8) Fights Belly Fat: it’s stabilizing affect on blood sugar also fights insulin resistance which is tied to an increase of belly fat
9) Contain tryptophan: also found in turkey, it is responsible for regulating appetite and improving sleep
10) Improves heart health