Is It True What They Say About Greek Yogurt?

It seems everyone is talking about Greek yogurt; but is it really that much healthier? And is it worth paying a higher price for it?

Before we answer these questions, let’s look at how yogurt is prepared. When healthy bacteria is added to milk, fermentation takes place which causes the transformation of lactose into lactic acid. The difference in the process between regular yogurt and Greek yogurt is that regular yogurt is strained through a cheesecloth twice and Greek yogurt is strained three times. Because of this, Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency. It’s important to look for brands that list “live active cultures” on the label!

Did you know that an 8 ounce serving of Greek yogurt contains about 20 grams of protein? That’s almost twice the amount in regular yogurt! Also, the carbohydrate content is much lower in Greek yogurt. After bariatric surgery like gastric bypass or gastric sleeve it’s especially important to make sure you enjoy a high-protein diet. However, be mindful of the brands with added sugars.

Due to its concentration, Greek yogurt has a higher percentage of probiotics than regular yogurt. Yogurt is the most common source of naturally occurring probiotics in food eaten by Americans.

It’s easy to incorporate plain Greek yogurt because it’s so versatile, and it doesn’t curdle when heated like regular yogurt. Choosing Greek yogurt for cooking can add up to more flavor with less calories, and offers a healthy boost of protein.

Greek Yogurt Cooking and Substitution Tips:

• When making chicken, tuna or egg salad, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
• Flavor plain yogurt by adding sugar-free preserves or sugar-free gourmet syrups such as those that are added to specialty coffee drinks.
• Add chopped cucumber and dill weed to plain yogurt and use it as a topping for salmon or grilled chicken.
• Make a ranch style dip with greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a high-protein snack to dip celery, carrots and bell pepper strips.

Making healthy swaps like switching Greek Yogurt for regular yogurt can help aid your weight loss without losing out on taste or the pleasure of eating. To learn more about making healthy choices after bariatric surgery, attend one of our free weight loss support groups or talk to our nutritionist. To learn more about bariatric surgery, attend one of our free weight loss seminars or call us at 877-691-3001.