The Greek Yogurt Diet – Easy Weight Loss Plan

Thick, creamy and plain or deliciously flavored, yogurt is so much more than a dairy product. It’s used in smoothies and shakes, ice cream and what not. Every culture has its own yogurt variant and ways to use yogurt in culinary dishes. A popular exotic type is Greek yogurt, which is strained using cloth or paper, to make it thicker in texture and spicy in taste.

This method of preparation also increases the concentration of nutrients in this dairy product. Indeed the benefits of Greek yogurt in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, have made this a smart food for dieting. In this article, learn more about how to use Greek yogurt for weight loss.

Yogurt is known to be a very beneficial food to include in your diet if you are trying to lose weight. Studies have found that eating yogurt three times a day can help you shed pounds, particularly in the belly area. If you enjoy Greek yogurt, you might be wondering if it is also good for weight loss. Since it is a lot thicker, some may assume that it’s not. Is Greek yogurt actually a healthier option than regular yogurt though?

Types of Greek Yogurt

Yogurt is generally available in grocery stores, sold in large containers or in smaller individual 4- to 8-ounce cup portions. Greek yogurt is one of many types of yogurt available in the dairy section of the grocery store. It is much thicker than traditional yogurt, which has a smooth consistency similar to pudding. Though plain Greek yogurt is best for you, it also comes in strawberry, blueberry, peach, French vanilla and a host of other flavors.

Benefits of Greek Yogurt

Greek Yogurts are High in Protein:

Since in the process of fermentation liquid whey is removed, Greek yogurt becomes thicker and smoother making it more decadent to eat. This yogurt just tastes too good to be true.

Better Texture:

Since in the process of fermentation liquid whey is removed, Greek yogurt becomes thicker and smoother making it more decadent to eat. This yogurt just tastes too good to be true.

Versatility in Use:

Aside from the ordinary use of yogurt as a substitute for milk, Greek yogurt, because of its texture and taste can be used for cooking or baking, or even as a dip. It even is easier on the stomach to digest since it has less lactose and less carbs. Whether you want the yogurt to be on top of a chicken kebab or you just want to eat it straight out of the container, Greek yogurt, is just simply one of the best things in dairy product history.

3 Ways To Use Yogurt

Now that you know how wonderful Greek and plain yogurt are, here are a few suggestions on how to eat them more regularly:

As a Breakfast Alternative:

Make a breakfast smoothie by blending half a cup of Greek or plain yogurt with half a frozen banana, a handful of baby spinach, and half a cup of milk. Or, try sprinkling a tablespoon of granola over a bowl of yogurt, then top with a little fresh fruit. Don’t forget that plain yogurt is delicious just as it is, too.

As a Substitute For:

Use yogurt instead of syrup, fresh cream, or custard on desserts. Greek or plain yogurt can also be substituted for mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, and cottage cheese, in some recipes.

As a Dressing Base:

Yogurt makes an excellent base for salad dressings one of my favorites is plain or Greek yogurt, half an avocado, a little lemon juice, a small amount of sugar to sweeten, and freshly ground black pepper. Then blend until smooth, and pour a little over crunchy salads.

Weight Loss and Greek Yogurt

• The high protein content tricks your body into feeling satiated. So you feel fuller and for a longer time, so the tendency to snack and binge is reduced.
• The properties and taste of Greek yogurt make it very versatile for cooking. So you get to use the same nutritious ingredient with its benefits, in a variety of foods. It can double up as a low fat substitute for sour cream and milk.
• For those avoiding carbs, the low carb content of Greek yogurt is a definite plus. 1 cup or serving of Greek yogurt contains only 9 grams of carbohydrates!
• Non fat or low fat Greek yogurt has very low sugar levels, making it an ideal weight loss food. It even has reduced calories and low lactose content.
• Greek yogurt contains calcium, a mineral beneficial for weight loss. Calcium encourages the body to burn fat and helps increase the body’s metabolic rate. An increase in calcium content in the body reduces abdominal fat.
• Greek yogurt is not a highly processed food, so natural nutrients are not destroyed during production. Beneficial bacteria in it helps in improving the digestive process and aids in body waste removal.
• The advantage of the nutritional value of Greek yogurt is only enhanced by its great creamy taste. It’s a comfort to your taste buds to have a healthy food choice, that tastes so good. Plus the non-fat varieties still retain that creamy, thick texture, so there is no compromise in quality.