Make Yogurt a Part of Your Healthy Eating Plan
Is Yogurt Part of Your Healthy Eating Plan?
If yogurt is not already a part of your diet then it should be. You might wonder what the nutritional value of yogurt is? Well, not only is yogurt very nutritious, but it also contains important pre-workout and post-workout nutrients such as protein, calcium, and potassium. Yogurt is a natural probiotic – it is a cultured milk product that provides live beneficial bacteria that help create a healthy environment in your gut. These “healthy” bacteria help crowd out the bad bacteria that can make you sick. Together these attributes make yogurt the perfect healthy snack idea for someone who is working hard to be healthy and fit.
What is The Best Yogurt For a Healthy Snack?
There are many types of yogurts to choose from as part of your healthy eating plan, but some are a better choice than others. In the diary section of your local market there are so many kinds of yogurt, some have gone from being healthy to the point of almost being candy. First and foremost, choose yogurt that is lower in added sugars. If you’re trimming and toning your body, you may want to look at the fat content as well. The healthiest snack choice, of course, is plain yogurt. If that is a bit too tart for your liking you could add your own fresh fruit and a touch of honey to sweeten it up a bit.
Is Greek Yogurt Really Healthier For You?
Whether or not Greek yogurt is the best choice for you depends on what you are looking for. Greek yogurt has been strained to remove some of its whey, resulting in a thicker, creamier product that provides almost twice as much protein as traditional yogurt. A typical 6-ounce serving contains 15 to 20 grams of protein, the amount in 2 to 3 ounces of lean meat. That’s a lot of protein from yogurt! However, traditional yogurt provides more calcium than Greek yogurt because a good portion of the calcium is lost in the straining process.
How Can You Add Yogurt Into a Healthy Meal Plan?
Yogurt is great enjoyed on its own as a healthy snack anytime you are hungry, or as a pre-workout or post-workout snack. Yogurt is a great ingredient to add to smoothies or recipes, whether savory or sweet. You can use both Greek yogurt and traditional yogurt as a good lower-fat substitution for sour cream in many recipes.
So, now that you know yogurt is a great way to get the nutrients you need for a healthy and fit body, try adding it to your healthy eating plan.
