Greek Yogurt- The benefits of greek yogurt vs regular yogurt
When incorporating healthy habits into your diet, Greek yogurt is a must! What makes Greek yogurt better than regular yogurt? I’m glad you asked! Greek yogurt has twice the amount of protein and half the sugar than regular yogurt without adding any extra calories. The yogurt is strained to remove most of the liquid whey and is left richer in protein and lower in sugar. Removing the liquid whey means you can consume more protein in the same size serving without having to actually consume more yogurt. This is where Greek Yogurt gets its unique texture from.
Why should I choose Greek yogurt over regular yogurt?
To be honest, both types are great additions to your every day diet. It all depends on what you’re looking to get out of yogurt. If you’re looking to get more protein into your diet and fill you up in between meals, Greek yogurt might be better. If you’re consuming it as a post workout snack you may want to opt for a regular yogurt because it will give you that whey protein and casein (to help with repairing muscles).
Don’t forget about the taste and texture- they are both very different so this is where you may prefer one over the other. I personally love the rich and heavy texture of Greek yogurt because I feel that it fills me up more. The best part is both come in an assortment of flavors so you can have it plain, vanilla, berry, etc. It’s even great to buy the plain yogurt and sweeten it yourself with some raw honey or agave nectar.
Greek Yogurt nutrition facts:
-It’s super high in protein which helps keep you feeling full
-It’s strained removing most of the lactose, making it easier on your stomach if you’re lactose-intolerant
-Stick to low-fat or fat-free versions because it can be high in saturated fats
-Lower sodium levels than regular (about half the amount)
-Calcium is however lower compared to regular yogurt from the straining process
Let’s Compare! Greek Yogurt vs Regular Yogurt:
| Nutrition (per 6 oz) | Greek Yogurt nonfat, plain | Regular nonfat Yogurt, plain |
| Calories | 80 | 80 |
| Fat | 0 | 0 |
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 5 mg |
| Sodium | 50 mg | 120 mg |
| Sugar | 6 g | 12 g |
| Protein | 15 g | 9 g |
| Calcium | 15% (on a 2,000 cal diet) | 30% (on a 2,000 cal diet) |
Best ways to enjoy Greek Yogurt:
-As a parfait with granola, slivered almonds, and fresh berries drizzled with honey
-Blended in a smoothie with some frozen mango and raspberries topped with your favourite nut milk
-Make a cucumber dip for your crackers and veggies
-Even use in a butternut squash soup to give it that rich and creamy texture
Remember both types are an excellent addition to a healthy lifestyle and diet and neither should be avoided. Just make sure to always check the nutritional fact information on the back to see how much sugar and calories are actually in them. Your best bet is to stick with a plain, nonfat version and then if you want some sweetness you can always add in your own!
Brought to you by your Health Nut,
Nikky
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[…] cup of plain non-fat Greek yogurt (I used Oikos)with 1 tbsp. of raw honey and a whole banana (optional- 1 tbsp. ground flax […]
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I love making parfaits with Greek Yogurt! My favorite honey is Tall Trees and Honey Bees which is light and delish!