I could ramble on and on about the nutritional merits of Greek yogurt (and I’ll do that a little), but the reason I chose it for the weekly goal is because Greek yogurt converted me from a yogurt-hater to a cup-a-day enthusiast.
I had pretty much resigned myself to a lifetime of missing out on the health benefits of yogurt, because every time I tried to force it down, my gag reflex won out.
I think this is, in part, because the whole eating-bacteria-on-purpose idea makes me feel a little squeamish. In fact, according to Marion Nestle’s “What to Eat,” a six-ounce container of yogurt typically contains — brace yourself — 18 billion live bacteria. Sick.
But my yogurt-touting classmates, co-workers and roommates finally convinced me to try Greek yogurt as a last-ditch effort to hop on the bandwagon.
I’m now driving the bandwagon.
Greek yogurt has a thicker texture than regular yogurt, because it is strained more times. Not only does this add to the texture, it also increases the protein content from about 5 grams to 14 grams (28% of your daily requirement). Additionally, Greek yogurt tends to have less sugar than regular yogurt (much of which is more dessert than health food). 6 ounces of regular strawberry yogurt has 27 grams of sugar, while 6 ounces of Greek strawberry yogurt has 19 grams of sugar.
Greek yogurt has the same intestinal health benefits of regular yogurt. Strains of the aforementioned bacteria are added to milk, where they feast on lactose, the sugar in milk. This breakdown of lactose by bacteria gives yogurt its tangy flavor and makes yogurt agreeable to people with lactose intolerance. These bacteria then go on to set up house in your intestines, populating your gut with healthy bacteria that keep the bad guys in check.
Even if you don’t enjoy yogurt on its own, plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream. Use it on tacos, in soups, in guacamole, in casseroles and dips. You can jazz up plain yogurt by stirring in honey, cinnamon, granola or cereal, fruit, nuts, canned pumpkin… there is lots of room to be creative!
Greek yogurt also makes a great mid-day snack because the high protein content can stave off hunger. At only 140 calories for 6 ounces, it’s a great way to make it 
to your next meal (and sneak in 20% of your daily calcium). Look for varieties with the “live and active cultures” symbol to ensure that you’ll reap the intestinal benefits.
Week 41 Goal: Try Greek yogurt for your mid-day snack. Use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream in your favorite recipes.
I leave you with a yogurt video from the brilliant and hilarious Sarah Haskins, who points out how ridiculous woman-geared advertising really is. YouTube “Target: Women” some time if you want to laugh until you cry. I especially love the “Doofy Husbands” edition.
