Get Me Some Greek!

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt seems to be the craze these days when talking about yogurt. But why? Well my little foodies, I'll tell you why!

First off, Greek yogurt differs from regular yogurt in the way that Greek yogurt is strained, taking out the whey and water, which explains the thick and creamy texture. Also, real Greek yogurt is made with sheep milk, rather than cow milk but considering the rate at which it's produced, most major yogurt companies use cow milk.


Second, Greek yogurt has more protein. For every 6 oz. there is about 14-18 grams of protein as compared to 6 oz. of normal yogurt which has about 10grams. The nice thing about more protein is it makes you feel full, sooner and longer.

Third, Greek yogurt has less sugar than regular yogurt. In both yogurts, the sugar, which is called Lactose, comes from the sugar present in milk. For every 6oz of Greek yogurt there is 7 to 9 grams of sugar where as in normal yogurt there is 12 grams of sugar. Also, yogurt with fruit blends at the bottom tend to contain a lot of sugar, so instead take Greek yogurt and add a teaspoon of honey or puree a handful of strawberries and add it to your yogurt!

Other than that, Greek yogurt is full of probiotics and antibiotic that help digestion.


Brands:

• Fage Total
• The Greek Gods (personal favorite)
• Oikos
• Brown Cow 
• Dannon
• Cabot
• Chobani

Ways to use Greek yogurt:

• Mix a tbl spoon of honey into your Greek yogurt and add some fresh fruit
• Instead of mayo on your burger, make a Greek yogurt sauce with some pesto mixed in
• Use Greek yogurt for sour cream, instead of sour cream (it's healthier and there is less fat)
• Use it in your smoothies
• Make a tasty dressing out it (listed below)

Ingredients

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon light soy sauce

1 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 1/2 tablespoon honey

3 tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt (may substitute regular nonfat yogurt but finished product will be   a little different)

1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil.

• You can make frozen yogurt (  http://www.goodfoodstories.com/2009/11/05/ask-casey-pinkberry-at-home/ ) 

• Make a creamy pasta sauce with sauteed veggies