It's all about the Greeks

Sure, you know that I have a love for all thing Greek - especially when it comes to mythology.  But as I have been making life changes and working out ways to make the food I eat become something I can stand to eat and avoid the Michelin man silhouette, I have become an addicted label reader.  We will hit that more later, but for now, you may be aware of the fact that the new thing in the "healthy food market" is Greek yogurt.  So, I thought I'd share some personal experience with this product that has quickly become my must eat every day.

Why Greek?  Well, the process that is used to make it  basically keeps it in a state that is actually quite good for you.  It maintains LOTS of protein - good to avoid hunger, especially when first cutting calories - and just good for your body. It also has very little fat, another bonus.  But, because it has become so popular, there are MANY Greek yogurt options.  Note, not all Greek yogurts are created equal.

Here's my suggestion.  If you haven't ever had Greek yogurt, I will warn you that it is almost a tart/sour flavor, and if you are used to the dessert yogurts from Yoplait, your palate will wonder what you have done to it.  So start with Yoplait Greek yogurt.    It has several of the benefits of Greek yogurt, but like their other yogurts, they add quite a bit of sugar to enhance the flavor.  However, if you are adjusting your palate, this is a good place to start.  You will notice that it tastes different than the regular Yoplait yogurt, but it is still quite good. I would start with the fruit flavors, transition to honey, and the move to the plain when you have developed a taste for it. The same idea can be incorporated with the Dannon brand Greek yogurts. 

There is also a brand that Lin's (Associate Foods)  carries called Greek Gods Greek Yogurt that is very good.  And if that is as far as you go, you will notice that the transition to these yogurts leaves you satisfied longer and that eventually you like them better than the regular.

Remember the part when I said I read labels?  Yes, I started reading the labels of Greek yogurts and noticed that many still have LOTS of sugar in them. Sure there is lots of protein - 10+grams possible per serving, but in many of these the sugar in a serving is double the protein.  That may not impact some people, but I have very bad reaction to lots of sugar when not accompanied by significant protein - shaking, headaches, dizziness, little invisible worms in my eyesight ( if you have experienced this, you know what I'm talking about).  So my new quest  is to find Greek yogurts that have more protein than sugar.  Here are my two favorite.

 

 

Sometimes I'll get them with fruit in the bottom, but I prefer to add my own fresh blueberries or cut up strawberries.  The nice thing about these is they are about 100 calories - I usually have this little treat at about 9:00 in the morning, as I eat breakfast at 6-6:30, post workout, and I need something to keep the body working without many calories or sugar.  I LOVE this now.  These are both available at my Walmart, but I know not all Walmarts are created equal.  

 

If you are still hesitant to try this, work Greek yogurt into your favorite recipes in place of sour cream, but I promise that once you start down this track, you will really love this treat and not hate the nutritional impact it has on your system when the container is empty.   Give it a try and let me know what you think :)