Ode to Yogurt

Photo: The Healthy Apron

That I am a fan of yogurt is not a shock to those who know me; it’s on my list of Food I Love — twice — breakfast and lunch, done up two different ways (on different days, of course).

Fitness Magazine published an informative piece titled, “10 Surprising Health Benefits of Yogurt.”  These benefits include: flatter abs courtesy of calcium; a strengthened immune system from good-for-you bacteria; high blood pressure prevention from the potassium; and red blood cell and nervous system maintenance provided by vitamin B12.  Check out the article for the other six, as well as a list of their Favorite Yogurts.

As for what to look for when choosing a yogurt, keep in mind that not all yogurts are created equal, and some can actually do more harm than good.  The Healthy Apron has a great post on How to Pick A Healthy Yogurt.  In a nutshell, you want to make sure that you’re not ingesting too much sugar (many of the fruit-in and flavored yogurts are high in sugar content – more than 20 grams of fat per 6-ounce serving) or too much fat (eschew the full-fat offerings for lower-fat varieties – less than 3.5 grams of fat per 6-ounce serving).

I tend to go for 1% Plain, organic if I can find it.  You can always sweeten it up with a little honey or agave nectar (the latest healthy sweetener).  I like to squeeze the juice that’s left from half a grapefruit to give it some extra flavor.  Add your favorite fruits, nuts, seeds, granola, whatever is appealing.

An added bonus?  If you’re really in a jam (i.e. the jar of mayonnaise has seen its last scrape), plain yogurt will do its part hold together a decent tuna sandwich (with a little red onion, salt and pepper).

If you’re not already eating yogurt, try including it in your daily menu a couple of times a week.  Your body will thank you.

Eat well!