The first time I ate Greek yogurt, I thought it didn’t look like a diet food at all.
It was a day in May and I had paired it with a strawberry on a hot early summer afternoon.
It was one of my first trials of a “diet regime” and I remember thinking that the combination wasn’t so bad.
The creaminess reminded me of the texture of ice cream, but the acidity of the fat-free version made me sick, compared to the overwhelming sweetness of the creamy but sweet yogurts I was used to.
Today I passed this dead endand I know that hooking up with Greek yogurt is legitimately delicious, and I’ve been eating it almost every day for over three years since.
Many people overlook it, partly because they are unaware of its many benefits, but there are a few key benefits of Greek yogurt that are worth knowing about.
What are the different types of Greek yogurt?
As a result of the process of turning the milk into yogurt, Greek yogurt has one additional fermentation step and one more filtering step than regular yogurt, which is why it is thicker and creamier.
In fact, it takes more milk to produce and contains less water but more nutrients.
In its original, less filtered form, full-fat Greek yogurt contains the highest fat content, approximately 9 grams per 100 grams.
This results in a higher caloric intake, but also provides a greater sense of satiety over time, thanks to a balanced fat-to-protein ratio and a fuller flavor profile, which is lost in the 5% or 2% fat-free versions together with reduced calorie content.
0% Greek yogurt, on the other hand, which is the most popular option, is obviously lower in calories due to the lack of fat, but therefore tastes more like cream cheese than soft yogurt.
What are the benefits of Greek yogurt?
The benefits of Greek yogurt mainly stem from its high bioavailable protein content, which helps maintain lean body mass. In addition, the low (or even no) sugar and lactose content makes it suitable for people with diabetes or dairy allergies.
Probiotics, also known as lactic acid bacteria, in its composition contribute to the balance of the intestinal flora, facilitate the absorption of vitamins and minerals in the body, balance the metabolism, and also reduce abdominal swelling.
Greek yogurt has a high concentration of minerals, including calcium, but also water-soluble B vitamins and vitamin A (retinol), also the amino acid leucine, which increases the feeling of satiety and reduces the need for continuous snacking, a characteristic that makes this yogurt , suitable for weight loss diets, but also for those who have a busy life and want to feel full for a long time.
Why Greek yogurt for breakfast reduces hunger pangs
When eaten in the morning, Greek yogurt provides protein intake right from the start of the day and keeps blood sugar levels at bay.
Your metabolism kicks off differently when you eat Greek yogurt for breakfast, rather than something like a cappuccino and croissant.