Here is a refreshing fruit salad for these hot summer days that are upon us. This bariatric recipe will cool you down, fill you up, and satisfy your taste buds. You can substitute any of the fruits. Always use fresh fruits when possible.

A bariatric diet with plenty of fresh fruit not only provides vitamins but it helps with your digestive enzymes. You may still need to supplement with enzymes for digestion to be able to absorb all your necessary nutrients.

• Two apples cut into chunks (leave the skin on for extra vitamins)
• One banana sliced
• One cup strawberries cut into large chunks
• One cup fresh pineapple cut into bite size chunks
• Two kiwis sliced
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• One cup low-fat yogurt
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh mint leaves

First off let's toast those almonds for a delicious flavor. You can do this in one of two ways. Place them in a non-stick skillet on a high heat and stir constantly till they start to turn a light brown. Or you can put on a cookie sheet spread thinly and place under the broiler till a light brown. The trick for either method is to watch very closely. It only takes a few extra seconds for a toasty taste to turn into a burnt mess. Set the almonds aside to cool.

Mix the orange juice, mint leaves, and yogurt together till smooth.

Combine the apples, banana, pineapple, kiwi, and strawberries and then add your cooled almond slices. Put the yogurt dressing on, stir it up, and sit down to a yummy, refreshing meal or side-dish.

Makes at least four servings.

Nutrition Information per serving:

• Calories: 231
• Total Fat: 7.5g
• Cholesterol: 4mg
• Total Carbs: 38.4
• Dietary Fiber: 6.5g
• Protein: 7.3g