Foods to Ponder

Yogurt


Walk into the dairy section of any grocery store and you can easily be overwhelmed when trying to decide what kind of yogurt to buy.  There are so many varieties...high fat, low fat, sugar free--the list is endless.  So what's the deal and how do you choose?  Hopefully, I can help.  

Yogurt is a great source of calcium (and just to be clear--I'm talking about plain old yogurt.  Not the frozen kind next to the ice cream).  It is great option for those who are lactose intolerant because of the live cultures, which are good bacteria, that help promote gut function.  It has been found to prevent against osteoporosis and heart disease--so if you haven't already--why not try it?

The best choice--Greek yogurt.  One 8 oz container has approximately 120 calories and 20 grams of protein.  The taste is definitely different than that of "regular" yogurts but the nutritional benefit is far superior.  It is thick, rich and slightly tangy.  Low or no fat versions boast high protein content and are low in sugar which help keep you fuller longer.  Plain Greek yogurt can be used in recipes and is a great substitute for sour cream in dips!  There are so many varieties out there lately, Fage, Oikos, Chobani...the list goes on and on.  My favorite of the bunch is Chobani--they make fabulous non fat Greek yogurts that you don't need to doctor up.  I do like other brands but find that I need to add a bit of peanut butter, nuts or Splenda to take the edge off of the taste--again, it's just my personal preference.  I find that each brand tastes different--so try them all until you find your favorite.  Nutritionally speaking--they are all great options.  

If you aren't a fan of Greek yogurt--there are plenty of other good options out there.  Look for yogurts that are less than 200 calories, low fat (less than 4 grams) or fat free and less than 30 grams of sugar (the milk in yogurt naturally adds 12 grams of sugar).  Many of the flavored yogurts out there are delicious but loaded with sugar and might as well be desserts--but there are some yogurts that are flavored and good for you.  Stoneyfield and Dannon have great options.  Read the labels and you will be all set!


Congratulations to Julie Guptill, the winner of our Popchips giveaway!  She was not only the random winner but also had the most clever idea--using popchips for breadcrumbs!  Julie, send me an email with your mailing information and you will receive your chips shortly!  Thanks for entering, everyone!

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Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com