Protein Parfaits for Weight Loss
Parfaits have so much going for them. They are elegant yet easy to prepare, perfectly portion-able, great-tasting, and packed with different flavors and textures. Where, then, do they go so wrong?
Parfaits can be packed with sugars and other carbs, along with extra fats, when they come from drive-thrus or sit-down restaurants. Make your own, on the other hand, and you can get a high-protein, low-carb breakfast, snack, or dessert that makes you happy all day.
Parfait Pitfalls
A fruit and yogurt parfait sounds pretty healthy, as though you are getting a dose of fresh, high-fiber fruit, and some high-protein yogurt. The truth is not usually quite so rosy. The fruit may be dried or not too generous, and the yogurt is often sugar-sweetened. Add some sugary granola or cookie crumbs and some jam or fruit-flavored syrup, and that parfait is not too healthy.
Perfect Parfait Ingredients
There are plenty of healthy ingredients to build any flavor parfait that suits your mood. You’ll need a thick, creamy ingredient to start, and better if it is high in protein. It could be plain regular or Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or tofu You could also use any flavor of Protein Pudding, ranging from Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry, to Caramel and Mocha.
Next, fresh fruit is a good idea, as it adds fiber, antioxidants, and sweetness. Any kind of berries, diced melon, apples, or pears, sliced banana, or tropical fruit such as kiwi or mango works well.
Then, something crunchy is a must for most parfait-lovers. While sugary cookie crumbs, cake pieces, and granola are over the top when it comes to nutrition, Protein Cakes and Cookies and Protein Cereal are available to deliver protein and crunch without many carbs. Chocolate chip and chocolate cookies, all kinds of cakes, and granola, cinnamon cereal, and oatmeal, chocolate cereal are all possibilities. Nuts and peanuts also work beautifully, and add protein and healthy fats.
Finally, what about something fun? Chocolate Pecan Clusters with or without caramel, for example, turn any parfait into something special without adding sugar. Or, Peanut Butter Spreads in all kinds of fun flavors, such as chocolate, graham cracker, cinnamon, and more can make your parfait super decadent.
A parfait is something to celebrate, but why not keep it diet-friendly? With plenty of low-carb, high-protein products to choose from, you can have the parfait of your dreams: tasty and guilt-free.
