Make a Simple Swap for Healthier Parfaits

(Family Features) Boost the nutritional value of your favorite snacks at home with a smart substitution that helps you prioritize heart health: low-fat or nonfat Greek yogurt.

By using Greek yogurt in place of full-fat sour cream and other dairy products, you can make nutrition-conscious decisions all year long in recipes like Fruity Oatmeal Yogurt Parfaits. This better-for-you parfait, part of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Danone, provides a protein-packed breakfast to start those hectic mornings.

A single serving of Greek yogurt typically provides 10 or more grams of protein and roughly 13% of the daily recommended value of calcium. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, a balanced diet that includes regular consumption of unsweetened, nonfat, plain yogurt for individuals with hypertension may help improve blood pressure outcomes. A diet involving smart swaps like these may contribute to heart health by providing essential nutrients and supporting healthy blood pressure levels.

Discover easy, flavor-packed ways to make your favorite recipes healthier for your heart at heart.org/eatsmart.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Fruity Oatmeal Yogurt Parfaits
Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association
Servings: 4 (1 parfait per serving)

• 2 cups fresh or frozen sliced, hulled strawberries, thawed and patted dry if frozen
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, halved blackberries or both, thawed and patted dry if frozen
• 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon, honey
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup uncooked rolled oats
• 2 cups nonfat plain Greek yogurt

1. In medium bowl, gently stir strawberries, blueberries, honey and cinnamon.
2. In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring water and oats to boil. Boil 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In each parfait glass, layer 1/4 cup oatmeal, 1/4 cup fruit mixture, 1/4 cup yogurt and 1/4 cup fruit mixture. Repeat layers.

Nutritional information per serving: 238 calories; 2 g total fat; 6 mg cholesterol; 47 mg sodium; 42 mg carbohydrates; 6 g fiber; 21 g total sugars; 16 g protein.