The Greeks have given us many things — democracy, philosophy, geometry — but perhaps their greatest legacy doesn’t end with a “y.” It starts with one: yogurt. I have reason to believe Greek yogurt is literally the food of the gods.
Why make such a fuss about yogurt? For one, Greek yogurt is a protein explosion, typically containing about 15-20 grams of protein per serving. Regular yogurt, on the other hand, only has around 9 grams.
Protein should be an integral part of anyone’s diet, especially if you are physically active. Getting plenty of protein helps you maintain normal growth and muscle mass and supports your immune system as well as cardiac and respiratory functions. Someone with an average activity level should aim for around 50 grams of protein per day, but if you are very active, try to get more.
Another benefit of eating high-protein foods is you stay full longer because protein takes a while to digest. This makes yogurt the perfect snack to keep you going (and prevent your stomach from embarrassing you with its rumblings during class).
In addition Greek yogurt is filled with active cultures that improve digestion and intestinal health. One serving also provides 20 percent of your daily-recommended calcium and is low in calories and fat.
Not all Greek yogurt deserves to be called a food of the gods. There are many not-so-healthy but oh-so-tempting options on supermarket shelves waiting to seduce you.
But do not fear! Simply look at their nutrition labels to reveal which varieties are godly and which are merely human. Stick with low-fat or non-fat yogurts, which are just as creamy and delicious.
The harder healthy choice comes in selecting a flavor that is low in sugar. Many fruit and dessert-flavored yogurts might as well be desserts when you consider how much sugar they contain. If you read the labels, you will find that the best option, and the only one that deserves this raving health review, is plain. But while many might find the tangy taste of plain yogurt to be less than pleasant at first, this can be easily overcome with a little ingenuity.
Mix it in! Eating yogurt by itself can be boring for many so add some pizzazz and make a parfait. Adding fresh fruit, cereal, nuts, and other mix-ins to your plain Greek yogurt will transform it into something you will love to eat.
Don’t be afraid to get creative. Plain Greek yogurt can be added to smoothies or mixed into your cereal and can even be used as a healthy substitute for sour cream, mayo, and oil in many recipes. Think of it as a creamy neutral to which you can add whatever flavor you desire. I’ve even found myself eating it with tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and basil.
A not so scary combination to try: toast with peanut butter, Greek yogurt, and fruit on top (bananas or raspberries are good options). But don’t take my word for it; there’s a large variety at most supermarkets, and there’s even a few options in the Paladen for you to try. So go godly and go Greek (yogurt that is).