One of my favorite breakfast’s is a Greek Yogurt parfait! I have a major sweet tooth and this hits the spot filled with protein, filling fat, and energy to push me to get through the day. However, I am sure you have heard differing stories on the health levels of Greek yogurt and you are probably wondering which is true. You’re not alone! Over the past year or so more and more brands of yogurts are added to the grocery shelves. Crazy kinds, ingredients, and sugars are all increasing confusion and curiosity. Here are tips for Greek Yogurt to be a healthy part of your day, not a desert!
- Greek Yogurt can be high in protein. This makes it great when you need some added protein throughout the day. Strive for a minimum of 12g of protein within the yogurt chosen.
- Watch out for sugar! If you aren’t careful, yogurt’s sugar can be just as nutritious as a cookie, which is not a good thing! Strive for sugars to be a maximum of 15g and to be real sugar.
- Read ingredients. Added sugars can be recognized in the ingredients. Make sure you can pronounce and know the origin of all the ingredients. Strive for less than 5!
- Look for organic. Greek yogurt that is organic will say “USDA Organic” on it. This means that no pesticides were used in the entire process.
- But it says “Low-Fat”… This generally means that it is higher in sugar. Don’t be fooled! Always stick to reading the ingredients, regardless of what the front says.
- As far as flavors go: If the yogurt isn’t “plain,” it stands a chance of being higher in sugar. Also, if toppings are involved, it becomes higher in sugar. Keep that in mind when choosing flavors.
Plain yogurt is a substitute for sour cream! So for a sweet meal don’t eat it plain. Instead add thawed berries, cinnamon, 1 tsp honey, and 1oz. of nuts or seeds, & uncooked 1/4c old-fashioned oats.
Or you can make Overnight Yogurt and Oats for a quick grab-&-go breakfast in the morning. These parfaits are great to change up within types of berries, nuts, seeds, and yogurt flavors. What is your favorite yogurt meal? Comment below with what you stir in.