Food Spotlight: Greek Yogurt

Given the recent headlines about Greece’s financial woes, I wouldn’t take money advice from a Greek, but boy do they know what they’re doing with yogurt!

I recently switched from my normal brand of yogurt to Greek style, mostly because I heard it was healthy for you, and then I tasted it.

OMG! It’s fantastic. Creamy and thick, it’s like pudding. It feels like I’m eating a treat. This can’t possibly be healthy, I thought, it’s too yummy.

So, what’s the deal? Why is Greek style so good for you?

It’s the protein. Compared to regular yogurt it has over twice as much protein in a single serving.

Below is a comparison between Chobani Greek yogurt with another creamy style. While the Greek yogurt is slightly higher in calories, you get far more bang for your buck on the protein side.

	Yoplait Strawberry Thick and Creamy Light	Chobani Strawberry Nonfat Greek Yogurt
Calories (6 oz serving)	100	140
Fat	0g	0 g
Carbohydrates	20g	20g
Sugar	14g	19g
Protein	5g	14g
Calcium	20% DV	20% DV
Sodium	90mg	65mg
Vitamin A	15% DV	0
Vitamin C	0	2% DV
Iron	0	0
Vitamin D	20% DV	Not listed
Phosphorus	15% DV	Not listed

What’s all the hub-ub about protein?

Most women don’t get enough, especially those of us over 40.

Protein is important because it’s one of the basic building blocks for your body. And for the vanity in me, it’s what your hair and nails are made of. You want supermodel hair and nails as strong as an eagle’s talons? Eat your protein.

Another benefit of protein is that it helps you feel full. Greek yogurt, because it packs a lot of protein in a small amount of calories, is a great snack. It’ll get you from 10 am until lunch, or for me, from 4 pm until dinner without raiding the refrigerator, the vending machine, or God forbid, driving through Chick Fil A for a sandwich, fries and large sweet tea!

Temptation be gone! Eat this yummy yogurt and quell the angry snack monster inside you. It works, just give it a try.