Shape Up in 2011 - Recipe: Greek Yogurt and Fruit

Lately, one of my favorite snacks is Greek yogurt. I love Greek yogurt, but it can be quite expensive. This is why I make my own Greek yogurt and top with my own fruit concoctions!

Step One:

Buy a large container of your favorite yogurt. I love Stoneyfields low fat plain yogurt. Dump the yogurt in a strainer lined with cheesecloth or thick paper towels. Place the strainer in another bowl to catch all the liquid that will come out. Place this in the fridge over night. The next morning, you will notice your yogurt has reduced in size, but is very thick and creamy. The longer you keep your yogurt in the strainer, the thicker it will get.

Step Two:

Puree or mash your favorite fruits to eat with the yogurt. Puree in a blender or mash with a masher for a chunkier consistency. Leave as is, or mix in two teaspoons of honey into fruit. Mmm..think of the possibilities....mashed berries, bananas, kiwi, mango, etc.

Step Three:

Make your own fruit on the bottom yogurt or top yogurt with your fresh fruit. Either way, you can't go wrong. Put the yogurt in a cup or bowl and enjoy with your fruit!

Making your own fruit yogurt is so much better than buying store bought, sugary, preservative filled yogurt! This is so much fresher and so much more tastier! Best part is, you know everything that is in the yogurt and fruit!

image: seriouseats.com

Fall Fruits...

Fall is in full swing and there is no better time to take advantage of the wonderful fall fruits then now! We all know that most fruits are low in calories, filling and fiber packed. Luckily, fruit is also very convenient to take along in your bag. Here's a guide to some of the best fall fruits that you need to enjoy now!

• Apples: Gala, honey crisp, red delicious, macintosh, with such a variety you can't go wrong. Apples are packed with fiber and vitamin C. They also store great in cool, dry places. Calories: 70
• Banana's: Loaded with B6, potassium and fiber. Banana's are great even frozen! Calories: 105
• Clementines: How can you go wrong with such a cute, sweet citrus fruit? Celementine's are loaded with vitamin C and folate. Calories: 35
• Cranberries: A chock full of antioxidants. These make a super tart snack. Calories: 44, one cup serving
• Grapes: Whether you go red, green or black, you can't go wrong with a cup full of of grapes. Grapes are also loaded with vitamin C. Calories: 105, one cup serving
• Persimmons: One of my most favorite fall fruits! If you are going to eat this, make sure you eat it ripe. Strong flavored with tannins that give a unique flavor. Calories: 118
• Pears: Pears are full of flavor and variety. Whether you go Bosc, Bartlett or Sickle, pears are a sweet snack to have and fiber filled! Calories: 96
• Pomegranates: Lovely jewels of red rubies encased in a shell. The only hard thing about pomegranates is prying them open without staining your shirt! It's so worth the effort though. Pomegranates are packed with iron! Calories: 75, half cup of seeds

image: fusioncrosstraining.com