Greek yogurt and I have been going steady now for the past 5 years. I know–long time!
At first, there were awkward times–when I really just didn’t know how to react to his tart n’ tangy bite! But, soon once we compromised–the occasional tang FOR rich, creamy, wonderful, protein packed deliciousness–we become inseparable. Simply put, no other yogurt would do … it HAD to be Greek!
Where does this Greek obsession come from? Well–first, let me tell you that I am not the 1st nutrition junkie to adamantly promote the Greek. If you “google” Greek yogurt (after you read this fabulous post … of course), you will see Dietitian after Dietitian as well as many other healthifying foodies in favor of this absolutely splendid concoction!
Why all the Greek hype?!?
Just look at the nifty table I created below … see the difference? Cup for cup Greek yogurt packs a larger punch for your spoon than regular non-fat yogurt: same calories, but more protein. PLUS … less sugar AND added junk (compare the ingredients)! On one hand you have pure, wholesome Greek yogurt, and on the other–tainted, tarnished regular non-fat yogurt, which has been corrupted by high-fructose corn syrup, potassium sorbate, sodium citrate, caramel color, and modified food starch. Hmmm… didn’t know you needed all those “things” to make yogurt. Simply put, the average yogurt is going through a “wild phase,” … and just hasn’t decided to come back yet, while Greek yogurt has remained on the straight n’ narrow.
How do they get that Greek yogurt so darn thick ?
I am so glad you asked! Because I was wondering the same thing! So–out came my food science books. Yes, that is right … I am a nerd, a food nerd that is.
First, the milk is heated and then invaded by healthy gut-loving bacteria. Next, the bacteria gobble up the milk sugar–lactose– creating lactic acid. And once this occurs, the “bacteriafied milk” begins to form a gel … VIOLA yogurt!
But, this is not where the story ends for the Greek–after the milk is bacteriafied, it is strained to remove the liquid portion of the milk or whey. The removed liquid leaves extra room for protein and creates a thicker, smoother, more indulgent treat than regular yogurt. Plus–the extra protein, keeps you feeling fuller longer–not to mention guilt-free, as this is the true “goody two-shoes” in the dairy aisle.
How to eat it … Oh, let me count the ways …
A classic way of enjoying the Greek is by sweetening it up with a dash of honey and/or berries and noshing on it for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Personally, I eat the Greek for breakfast, lunch, and …YES, I will admit it … sometimes dinner. What can I say–it is satisfying, protein packed, and oh, just such a good food! And, there are so many different ways to eat it!
For a heartier dish that will keep me going, I throw in fiber packed All-Bran Bran Buds with a dash of Trader Joe’s low-fat Mixed Berry Granola and … I am in Heaven! I also down the stuff as a post-workout snack–loaded with protein and sprinkled with carbs–perfection! And, when I am in need of a sweet treat, I throw raspberries in the mix. Lastly, when making tuna or chicken salad, instead of using mayo, I use a 1:1 ratio of non-fat Greek yogurt to Dijon mustard– DIJO! —cutting out fat and nixing calories. If you aren’t down with the spicy mustard, that’s okay, just use the Greek! As you can see, there are TONS of options! You can mix the Greek up anyway you want! Explore. Have Fun. Enjoy. 
Now what?
Ditch the regular yogurt and take a step up! Come on now! As you can see–Greek yogurt ain’t no artificially filled, sugar-laden, processed Gogurt or regular yogurt for that matter! It is a real, whole, nutritious food that earns the Greeks years of gratitude for making. So–give it a whirl!
My suggestion, if you are a “Greek yogurt virgin,” is to sweeten it up a bit with fruit or honey to bite off that unaccustomed tangy taste. Don’t fret, just give it time and you will soon be going steady with the Greek too! Or, if you are a bona fide Greek lover, keep spreading the Greek yogurt love AND please share how you eat your Greek! I’d love to hear your creations!
Happy Healthifying,
Posted in Health, Nutrition Basics Tagged: Greek Yogurt, Health, nutrition, Yogurt
At first, there were awkward times–when I really just didn’t know how to react to his tart n’ tangy bite! But, soon once we compromised–the occasional tang FOR rich, creamy, wonderful, protein packed deliciousness–we become inseparable. Simply put, no other yogurt would do … it HAD to be Greek!
Where does this Greek obsession come from? Well–first, let me tell you that I am not the 1st nutrition junkie to adamantly promote the Greek. If you “google” Greek yogurt (after you read this fabulous post … of course), you will see Dietitian after Dietitian as well as many other healthifying foodies in favor of this absolutely splendid concoction!
Why all the Greek hype?!?
Just look at the nifty table I created below … see the difference? Cup for cup Greek yogurt packs a larger punch for your spoon than regular non-fat yogurt: same calories, but more protein. PLUS … less sugar AND added junk (compare the ingredients)! On one hand you have pure, wholesome Greek yogurt, and on the other–tainted, tarnished regular non-fat yogurt, which has been corrupted by high-fructose corn syrup, potassium sorbate, sodium citrate, caramel color, and modified food starch. Hmmm… didn’t know you needed all those “things” to make yogurt. Simply put, the average yogurt is going through a “wild phase,” … and just hasn’t decided to come back yet, while Greek yogurt has remained on the straight n’ narrow.
How do they get that Greek yogurt so darn thick ?
I am so glad you asked! Because I was wondering the same thing! So–out came my food science books. Yes, that is right … I am a nerd, a food nerd that is.
First, the milk is heated and then invaded by healthy gut-loving bacteria. Next, the bacteria gobble up the milk sugar–lactose– creating lactic acid. And once this occurs, the “bacteriafied milk” begins to form a gel … VIOLA yogurt!
But, this is not where the story ends for the Greek–after the milk is bacteriafied, it is strained to remove the liquid portion of the milk or whey. The removed liquid leaves extra room for protein and creates a thicker, smoother, more indulgent treat than regular yogurt. Plus–the extra protein, keeps you feeling fuller longer–not to mention guilt-free, as this is the true “goody two-shoes” in the dairy aisle.
How to eat it … Oh, let me count the ways …
A classic way of enjoying the Greek is by sweetening it up with a dash of honey and/or berries and noshing on it for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Personally, I eat the Greek for breakfast, lunch, and …YES, I will admit it … sometimes dinner. What can I say–it is satisfying, protein packed, and oh, just such a good food! And, there are so many different ways to eat it!
For a heartier dish that will keep me going, I throw in fiber packed All-Bran Bran Buds with a dash of Trader Joe’s low-fat Mixed Berry Granola and … I am in Heaven! I also down the stuff as a post-workout snack–loaded with protein and sprinkled with carbs–perfection! And, when I am in need of a sweet treat, I throw raspberries in the mix. Lastly, when making tuna or chicken salad, instead of using mayo, I use a 1:1 ratio of non-fat Greek yogurt to Dijon mustard– DIJO! —cutting out fat and nixing calories. If you aren’t down with the spicy mustard, that’s okay, just use the Greek! As you can see, there are TONS of options! You can mix the Greek up anyway you want! Explore. Have Fun. Enjoy.
Now what?
Ditch the regular yogurt and take a step up! Come on now! As you can see–Greek yogurt ain’t no artificially filled, sugar-laden, processed Gogurt or regular yogurt for that matter! It is a real, whole, nutritious food that earns the Greeks years of gratitude for making. So–give it a whirl!
My suggestion, if you are a “Greek yogurt virgin,” is to sweeten it up a bit with fruit or honey to bite off that unaccustomed tangy taste. Don’t fret, just give it time and you will soon be going steady with the Greek too! Or, if you are a bona fide Greek lover, keep spreading the Greek yogurt love AND please share how you eat your Greek! I’d love to hear your creations!
Happy Healthifying,
Posted in Health, Nutrition Basics Tagged: Greek Yogurt, Health, nutrition, Yogurt