50+ Lifestyles

Greek yogurt

By Stacy Mitchell, R.D., L.D.
Hy-Vee Registered Dietician
2900 Devils Glen Road, Bettendorf, IA
332-8496

Greek yogurt typically has double the protein of regular yogurt, helping you feel full longer. Greek yogurt is a healthy choice for diabetics, as it is lower in sugar and carbs than regular yogurt.

Have you tried Greek yogurt yet? If you are not a big fan of conventional yogurt, you may want to consider trying Greek yogurt.
It’s fast becoming mainstream with Americans with its unique texture and health benefits. So what are these unique benefits compared to traditional yogurt?

Greek yogurt’s most notable difference is its rich, creamy texture. Eating this thick, creamy yogurt is comparable to eating a delectable dessert. Greek yogurt gets its extra creaminess from the straining process that removes the whey (liquid) from the yogurt. Because of the thick, creamy texture, it is a suitable substitute for dips and sauces. And it is also a great alternative in baking and cooking uses because it does not separate when heated.

The health benefits are numerous. For starters, Greek yogurt typically has double the protein of regular yogurt, helping you feel full longer. Greek yogurt is a healthy choice for diabetics, as it is lower in sugar and carbs than regular yogurt. It’s also lower in sodium and contains more live and active cultures, which is important for digestive health.

So how do you eat Greek yogurt? Here are five ways to eat Greek yogurt and feel good about serving it to your family.

1. Use fat-free plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for recipes, vegetable dips or with baked potatoes.

2. Mix in smoothies for a high-protein snack or breakfast.

3. Combine fat-free Greek yogurt, dried fruit and nuts and drizzle with honey or agave nectar.

4. Spread on vegetable pizza.

5. Layer with fresh fruit for a healthy parfait.

Greek Party Dip
All you need:
1 (1 ounce) package Hidden Valley Ranch Dry Dip Mix
1 (16 ounce) container fat-free Stonyfield Oikos Greek Yogurt
1 red bell pepper, cut into long slices (for serving)
1 (16 ounce) bag baby carrots (for serving)
1 head broccoli, chopped into individual florets (for serving)

All you do:
Mix dry dip mix with yogurt.
Refrigerate dip for at least 2 hours prior to serving.
Serve dip with assorted vegetables

Nutrition facts per serving (2 tbsp dip with veggies): 40 calories, 0g fat, 7g carbs, 1g fiber, 3g protein, 160mg sodium.
Source: Hy-Vee Dietitians

The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.