In the search for a healthy, low-fat breakfast option, yogurt and granola has emerged as a low-calorie, nutrient-packed option. Granola contains oats, nuts or rice and has a sweet taste without being high in calories or fat. Derived from fermented milk, yogurt is a dairy product that is high in calcium and can be low in fat. While yogurt and granola are healthy, always consume this combination in moderation. Consuming too much can make the food high in calories.
Nutrition Facts
While the brands of yogurt and granola you use may change the nutrition facts, a typical 6-oz. yogurt serving with 1/4 cup of granola contains 240 calories and 2.5 g of fat. The sugar content is 16 g and the sodium total is 80 g. The yogurt and granola combination also is high in protein, containing 19 g. The yogurt part of this combination has 200 mg of calcium, which helps to build strong, healthy bones.
Yogurt Benefits
Yogurt has live and active cultures, which are healthy bacteria that live in your digestive tract and protect you against harmful microorganisms. Yogurt can help to reduce symptoms like chronic diarrhea and bloating. Yogurt also contains numerous vitamins, including potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, iodine, zinc and vitamin B5.
Granola Benefits
Granola contains protein that helps you to maintain muscle mass and healthy skin. High in fiber, granola also can help to keep up the health of your digestive tract by binding with wastes in your intestines, helping to move bulk through your system.
Warning
While yogurt and granola can be a good breakfast or snack option, carefully read the nutrition label. Some commercially packaged granola brands contain chocolate chips or added sugars. Check for high-fructose corn syrup, which can indicate sugars that have been added to your granola. This adds calories to your daily food intake, making it a less-healthy choice. The same is true for yogurt, which can contain added sugar. Instead, look for yogurt made with low-fat milk, which is a healthier option.
References
- Good Housekeeping: Granola-Yogurt Parfait
- Fit Sugar: Yogurt and Granola vs. Cereal and Milk
- "The Huffington Post"; Recession Recipe: Yogurt and Granola: March 2, 2011
- Real Simple: Yogurt and Granola Parfait
- "Fitness"; 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Yogurt; Amanda Pressner
- Mayo Clinic: Granola with Raisins, Apples and Cinnamon
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