Yogurt. It’s tasty, is known to be good for you, and it’s even fun to say. With its creamy texture and versatility, it is an excellent way to improve your kids’ nutrition … as long as you know what to look for.
“Not all yogurts are created equally,” says Stephanie Bird, dietetics intern at PASSAGES in Chico. “Some yogurts have live bacteria and others don’t. One of the benefits of yogurt comes from the probiotics, and if they are not live, then you are missing out on those benefits.”
Bird shares that yogurt contains protein and calcium, and is more digestible than many other dairy products, especially for people who are lactose intolerant. This is because the lactose in the milk is converted to “food” for the probiotics, so the lactose is mostly used up in the transformation, which also makes plain yogurts low in sugar content. “Unfortunately, many yogurts have high amounts of sugar and other additives in them to reduce the natural tartness the probiotics create, making them less healthful versions despite the potential presence of live probiotics,” says Bird.
Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D. An 8-oz cup of plain, low-fat yogurt has nearly four times the amount of calcium as an 8-oz glass of milk. It seems that many kids either suffer from constipation or “go” too much. Regularly eating yogurt with active cultures can help regulate kids’ – and their parents’ – digestive systems.
Plain low-fat yogurt blends well with both sweet and savory items and is easily used as a substitute in all kinds of recipes. Use it in place of sour cream in dips; mixed with fruit, almonds, and honey for breakfast; or to replace butter or oil in baking. I like stirring a tablespoon of whole or ground flaxseed in my yogurt – a tablespoon of flaxseed adds 3 grams of fiber and about 2 grams of healthy plant Omega-3s. Adding in a bit of high-fiber breakfast cereal makes a great snack for kids. Avoid granola: while it sounds healthy, most granola is very high in fat, calories, and even sugar.
Low-fat plain Greek yogurt is the healthiest all-around choice. Most Greek yogurt has a thicker texture and fuller taste, and contains twice as much protein as regular yogurt. A great food for older babies and toddlers, it also makes the best frozen yogurt pops when mixed with a little mashed fruit … a good teething treat.
Denise Crosswhite, mother of three and “Dip Queen” of my Bunco group, uses Greek yogurt in all kinds of recipes. “For an easy dip I add onion soup mix. I also like to add sweet mesquite seasoning, or sometimes a package of cream cheese and chopped veggies with smoked paprika.”
Steer clear of yogurt with “fruit on the bottom,” which is normally quite high in sugar content. Some fat-free yogurts include aspartame, which comes with its own set of health concerns. With so many options available, it’s better to flavor your own with your favorite natural ingredients.
[sws_grey_box box_size=”590″]
[/sws_grey_box]
Posted in: Localicious
Comment Policy: All viewpoints are welcome, but comments should remain relevant. Personal attacks, profanity, and aggressive behavior are not allowed. No spam, advertising, or promoting of products/services. Please, only use your real name and limit the amount of links submitted in your comment.
You Might Also Like...
Bake A Heart Shaped Chocolate Cake For Valentine’s Day
Conversation hearts and handmade heart cutouts, decorated with glitter and glue, litter my childhood memories of Valentine’s Day. It was a fun day, a time to tell others you cared […]
Localicious: The Gift of Pie
When you arrive on someone’s doorstep with a pie in hand, you know you’re going to get a smile. The smell of pie magically draws us back to our childhood, […]
Local Businesses Provide Fun & Unique Options for Spring and Summer Events
Chico Bar-B-Q Chico Bar-B-Q owners Mike and Lori Lash began selling barbecues and equipment about 15 years ago, in addition to their other business, Lash’s Glass. Mike, who enjoys restoring […]
Crush Italian Cuisine Partners with Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley for Tuesday Night Dinners
Occupying the top floor of the old Bank of America building on 2nd and Broadway in downtown Chico, Crush Italian Cuisine & Lounge is a popular choice for special events […]
Great article! Love the photos 🙂