Unique Fitness Recipe

Benefits of Greek Yogurt By Megan Melone–Nutrition Consultant with The Diet Doc Chicago (theDietDocChicago.com)
Greek Yogurt is growing in popularity and for good reason.  Here are a few benefits to adding Greek yogurt to your daily meal plan.

More Protein

Greek Yogurt is not only delicious, but it contains almost double the protein as regular yogurt.   One cup of plain, low-fat convention yogurt has between ten and twelve protein grams, whereas most Greek yogurts average around twenty.

Less Carbs

For the carb watcher, Greek yogurt is the better choice. Whereas standard yogurts have fifteen to seventeen grams of carbs, Greek yogurt averages around nine with some brands having even less.

It’s thicker and creamier.

Greek yogurt has a thicker, creamier texture which many people find appealing, especially when making dips and sauces.  . Standard yogurt is generally strained two times, whereas Greek yogurt is triply strain to remove more of the whey. When whey is removed, so is water which creates a thicker, more substantial yogurt product. For this reason, thickeners aren’t added to Greek yogurt, yet it still has an appealing texture.

It’s lower in sodium.

Greek Yogurt contains 50% less sodium than standard yogurt.

Experimenting with Greek yogurt can be fun!  Try this recipe for a healthy breakfast or dessert!

Greek Yogurt Parfait

3 cups Greek yogurt with honey or vanilla yogurt (non-, low- or full fat)
2 cups low fat granola
2 cups mixed berries: blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries

In a parfait glass or a wide drinking glass, layer about 2 tablespoons of the yogurt, then 2 tablespoons of the granola and top with a sprinkling of the fruit.

Repeat the layering one more time.

Repeat with the other 3 glasses.

This can be made in a large trifle dish and served family style

You can also make it the night before and store in the refrigerator.