After holiday eating and parties, I feel like I must re-establish a balance. Some indulging and tasting here and there is fun, but I naturally tend toward more healthy eating after the holidays. A good way to get back on track is to have a nice, hearty breakfast to fight off the sweets craving during the day. The oatmeal and flaxseeds in these recipes are a great source of fiber which is great for restoring balance in the body. I know if you hosted holiday parties, you may want to take a break from working in the kitchen and indulge in the sweets or things sitting out. Not to worry, these recipes are quick and easy! And I use a favorite holiday leftover of mine, cranberry sauce. In small quantities it will satisfy your holiday sweet tooth and get you eating your fruit. You can also substitute a drizzle of agave, maple syrup, or strawberry jam, instead of the cranberry.

If you are trying to watch your weight, the ideal situation would be to have your fruits washed and ready in the morning so they are an easy grab and in sight in the fridge. Many diets fail from poor planning, rather than an individual's lack of will. I hope you find these recipes simple, delicious, and in the front of your fridge!

Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients:

Sweetened Greek yogurt:

• ¼ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup fresh blueberries (or other berry)
• drizzle of honey (about 1 teaspoon)
• dash of cinnamon
Holiday oatmeal:

• ½ cup old fashioned oats
• water to cover oats
• ¼ cup fresh blueberries
• 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce (or strawberry jam)
• 1 teaspoon whole flaxseed
Cranberry fruit salad:

• ½ banana, sliced
• 2-3 medium fresh strawberries, sliced
• ¼ cup blueberries
• ¼ cup blackberries or raspberries, or combination
• 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce
• 1 teaspoon flaxseed

Some ideas to do with these recipes:

1. mix and match the ingredients in these recipes
2. wash, slice, and portion fruit ahead of time in Ziploc bags
3. freeze and blend in a smoothie
4. eat as breakfast, snack, or dessert
5. make for your next holiday party

It's funny, once you put the fruit bowl on the table, people gravitate toward it and it's devoured before you know it. The fruit is a great reprieve for the palate in the land of sweets. Try it and see!

Directions:

Sweetened Greek yogurt:

1. Place yogurt in small bowl and top with blueberries, honey, and cinnamon. (Add granola, almonds or walnuts, flaxseed, or toasted oatmeal for more substance. I like it as pictured, because I had it that way in Greece, though without the blueberries. I feel like I am indulging in a dessert at times!)

Holiday oatmeal:

1. Place the oats in a bowl with enough water to cover. Microwave for 2 minutes. Top with blueberries, cranberry sauce, and whole flaxseed.

Cranberry fruit salad:

1. Mix all fruit together in a bowl. Top with cranberry sauce and flaxseed. This is great as an early morning breakfast to get the day started and calm the hunger.

Additional information: appropriate for Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free (if Gluten free oats are used) diet.