Yogurt

Yogurt, yoghurt, yoghourt: All yogurts are a great food source for babies, toddlers, children and adults as it contains more bone-building calcium than milk, is rich in protein, riboflavin, Vitamins D, B6, B12, . Also, there are live cultures, probiotics, in yoghurt which improves digestion, boost immune system, helps stomach-related issues such as constipation and helps protect your heart. I started my baby with yogurt at 10 months. It’s a tremendous beginner food source, for babies, and one everyone should adapt into their diet.

For all yogurts, I personally prefer to always buy the “plain” yogurt as it has more potassium and less sugar than flavored yogurts. You can still add fruit for toddlers or children and honey, nuts, or even table sugar for adults as you will still have less sugar content compared to flavored, bought yogurt. Half of the calories in yogurts for your children could be from that added sugar found in the fruit which usually isn’t real fruit but either minimal amounts of fruit or fruit/juice concentrates.

Greek Yogurt vs. Regular Yogurt

When I was researching into which yogurt to give my son, I discovered the amazing, beneficial, and growing now in popularity, Greek yogurt. Recently, I heard NPR talking about Greek yogurt as being the trendiest food right now with sales skyrocketing.

Advantages of Greek Yogurt:

1. Double protein
2. Fewer Carbohydrates
3. Less sodium
4. Fat-free Greek yogurt has comparable calorie count to other regular yogurt
5. Thicker, creamier and can be used in cooking as it does not curdle when heated compared to regular yogurt

Potential Disadvantages of Greek Yogurt

1. Regular Greek yogurt has more calories that other yogurts (buy fat-free if you are worried about the extra calories)
2. Usually more expensive

For toddlers under 2 or for thinner children, like my son, the regular Greek style yogurt could be beneficial as it has more calories through milkfat than other name-brand yogurts. For heavier children, or adults watching their weight, the 2% or fat free, Greek yogurt has fewer calories. Whether you choose the regular style or fat-free Greek yogurt, you will still get more protein but less sugar compared to other name-brand yogurts.

Greek yogurts have a denser consistency from the straining process which removes the whey. This straining process is what provides more concentrated protein, averaging 20g per cup in Greek yogurt compared to 13g per cup for most other American yogurt brands. The density and higher protein in Greek yogurt helps to ward off hunger by making you feel fuller. Personally, being lactose intolerant, I love that Greek yogurt contains less carbohydrates (so less lactose) which makes Greek yogurt easier for me to digest.

 I love the thick, rich, and creamier taste of Greek yogurt as it tastes more like a dessert and I have to keep reminding myself that it is actually yogurt. I’ve even substituted Greek yogurt for sour cream, mayo, or cream cheese when cooking, making dips, salad dressings, smoothies or baking desserts. Some recipes will be posted in the future.