Yogurt is often a staple for people who are trying to lose weight. Unlike fad diet foods, yogurt is front and center in the battle against obesity because of its nutritional value and versatility. It may be eaten as part of breakfast, lunch or dinner, and also as a filling midday or evening snack. Greek yogurt is one of the healthiest weight loss diet foods available, according to a Huffington Post article by Dr. Eric Braverman, author of the book "The Younger You Diet."
Types
Yogurt is generally available in grocery stores, sold in large containers or in smaller individual 4- to 8-ounce cup portions. Greek yogurt is one of many types of yogurt available in the dairy section of the grocery store. It is much thicker than traditional yogurt, which has a smooth consistency similar to pudding. Though plain Greek yogurt is best for you, it also comes in strawberry, blueberry, peach, French vanilla and a host of other flavors.
Content and Benefits
Fat-free yogurt is rich in both calcium and protein, an important combination to include in any weight loss program, according to Braverman. Calcium promotes the breakdown of body fat, stokes the metabolism, and helps build and support strong bones. Protein helps build muscle and staves off hunger, helping prevent feelings of hunger between meals.
Protein is also important in stabilizing blood glucose, preventing high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, and low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, while dieting. Yogurt supports immune system function, as well. Braverman recommends three servings of dairy per day.
Comparison
The differences between American yogurt, also called conventional yogurt, and Greek yogurt, or fage, mainly involve fat content, calcium, calorie count and grams of sugar. A 4-ounce serving of Greek yogurt typically contains 90 calories, with 7 grams sugar; Dannon yogurt has 80 calories with 12 grams of sugar. When dieting, choose yogurt that is less than 130 calories per serving, with no more than 1 gram of fat.
In an article published by CBS News, Erin Hobday, senior diet and nutrition editor of "Self Magazine," indicates that Greek yogurt has twice as much protein as traditional, conventional yogurt, while it offers less calcium. However, Hobday recommends alternating Greek yogurt with traditional yogurt to receive the maximal calcium and protein benefits from this extraordinary nutritional source.
Uses
Greek yogurt is a versatile diet food. It can be eaten plain out of the container, or mixed with fresh fruit, granola or cinnamon. Individual cups of yogurt can be easily packed for eating on the go. Greek yogurt can also be served in bowls from the larger container.
Yogurt Recipes
Plain Greek yogurt, much like traditional yogurt, can be used as the dairy base for slimming fruit smoothies, as a light dip with herbs added, or even as a spread for chicken wraps. It can be used to make fresh, calorie-saving garden salad dressings, by mixing it with olive oil, minced garlic and vinegar to taste.
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