I've been thinking about something I want to try around here that will hopefully get me blogging more regularly. I'm in school to become a Health Counselor and have been learning some really amazing stuff about nutrition and overall health. I have discovered how much I enjoy helping others discover little ways to feel better, have more energy and nourish themselves and their families. Since baby Jackson will be making her arrival around the time I graduate, I will be wading into this new career instead of diving in head first.
I thought a good way to share my knowledge with friends and family would be to share some of it on my blog. I'm calling these tips my Skinny Switch. I'll be focusing on health rather than calories, carbs or fat grams, but incorporating any of these practices will support maintaining or achieving a healthy weight if that's your goal. With that said, I'd like to share my all-time favorite Skinny Switch!
Have you ever tried plain Greek yogurt? I am personally not a fan of regular yogurt. I've forced down many plastic single servings over the years for whatever reason, whether it was the probiotics, the "sugar-free" label or just because that's what seemed healthiest, but I never truly enjoyed it. Then, I discovered Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is thicker than traditional yogurt AND contains twice as much protein per serving than regular yogurt. Protein helps fill you up, supports muscle growth and healthy organ function.
But let's be honest, it doesn't matter how good something is for you, if it doesn't appeal to your taste buds, what's the point? Now, you probably noticed I said "plain" Greek yogurt. I know what you're thinking. "Plain yogurt is gross." "It's tart, it's bland, you're crazy. Pass the strawberry, please." Hear me out. All those flavored yogurts may taste better to you at first. There are some brands out there that aren't full of artificial flavors and sweeteners, but the fact is that most of the flavored yogurts are packed with a lot of extras that your body just doesn't need. Sugar is added more packaged foods than you can imagine, so always read the label and strive to add your own sweeteners when possible. Agave, honey and maple syrup are all good in small amounts. I never eat my plain yogurt by itself. Ever. I don't like it. But, add some fresh fruit, pinch of cinnamon and a drizzle (just a teaspoon or so) of honey and you've got a delicious, filling, breakfast, snack or dessert packed with nutritional goodness. Y'ALL. It's SO GOOD. And the variations are endless. In the summer I can't get enough of fresh peaches so that's pretty much my go to. But in the winter when fresh fruit is hard to come by, I thaw out some frozen berries (no sugar added) and I love that too---especially with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips! Fall has made an early appearance this week sending my cravings for all things pumpkin and spicy into overdrive. I can't wait to mix in some pumpkin puree with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg and honey. Freeze your mixture in some ice cube trays for a healthier frozen dessert. The options here are endless.
I should clarify that you want to make sure you're getting the low-fat plain Greek yogurt. Fat-free, 1% and 2% plain Greek yogurt are all great options. Moms, full-fat Greek yogurt is a good option for little ones that need lots of high quality calories. You can mix in your own mashed fruit and serve it knowing exactly what your little ones are consuming.
Another reason I like to keep plain Greek yogurt on hand is to use as a substitute for some of the saturated fat in recipes, particularly sour cream. I've used Greek yogurt in place of mayo in potato salad, in place of sour cream in casseroles and it makes a perfect base for fruit and veggie dips. You can really use Greek yogurt anywhere that calls for sour cream. If you think it needs a little more "sour" add some lemon juice. Mix about two teaspoons of lemon juice per half cup of yogurt and you've got yourself a perfect baked potato topping.
Plain Greek yogurt is magic in the kitchen. You should try it.
I thought a good way to share my knowledge with friends and family would be to share some of it on my blog. I'm calling these tips my Skinny Switch. I'll be focusing on health rather than calories, carbs or fat grams, but incorporating any of these practices will support maintaining or achieving a healthy weight if that's your goal. With that said, I'd like to share my all-time favorite Skinny Switch!
Have you ever tried plain Greek yogurt? I am personally not a fan of regular yogurt. I've forced down many plastic single servings over the years for whatever reason, whether it was the probiotics, the "sugar-free" label or just because that's what seemed healthiest, but I never truly enjoyed it. Then, I discovered Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is thicker than traditional yogurt AND contains twice as much protein per serving than regular yogurt. Protein helps fill you up, supports muscle growth and healthy organ function.
But let's be honest, it doesn't matter how good something is for you, if it doesn't appeal to your taste buds, what's the point? Now, you probably noticed I said "plain" Greek yogurt. I know what you're thinking. "Plain yogurt is gross." "It's tart, it's bland, you're crazy. Pass the strawberry, please." Hear me out. All those flavored yogurts may taste better to you at first. There are some brands out there that aren't full of artificial flavors and sweeteners, but the fact is that most of the flavored yogurts are packed with a lot of extras that your body just doesn't need. Sugar is added more packaged foods than you can imagine, so always read the label and strive to add your own sweeteners when possible. Agave, honey and maple syrup are all good in small amounts. I never eat my plain yogurt by itself. Ever. I don't like it. But, add some fresh fruit, pinch of cinnamon and a drizzle (just a teaspoon or so) of honey and you've got a delicious, filling, breakfast, snack or dessert packed with nutritional goodness. Y'ALL. It's SO GOOD. And the variations are endless. In the summer I can't get enough of fresh peaches so that's pretty much my go to. But in the winter when fresh fruit is hard to come by, I thaw out some frozen berries (no sugar added) and I love that too---especially with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips! Fall has made an early appearance this week sending my cravings for all things pumpkin and spicy into overdrive. I can't wait to mix in some pumpkin puree with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg and honey. Freeze your mixture in some ice cube trays for a healthier frozen dessert. The options here are endless.
I should clarify that you want to make sure you're getting the low-fat plain Greek yogurt. Fat-free, 1% and 2% plain Greek yogurt are all great options. Moms, full-fat Greek yogurt is a good option for little ones that need lots of high quality calories. You can mix in your own mashed fruit and serve it knowing exactly what your little ones are consuming.
Another reason I like to keep plain Greek yogurt on hand is to use as a substitute for some of the saturated fat in recipes, particularly sour cream. I've used Greek yogurt in place of mayo in potato salad, in place of sour cream in casseroles and it makes a perfect base for fruit and veggie dips. You can really use Greek yogurt anywhere that calls for sour cream. If you think it needs a little more "sour" add some lemon juice. Mix about two teaspoons of lemon juice per half cup of yogurt and you've got yourself a perfect baked potato topping.
Plain Greek yogurt is magic in the kitchen. You should try it.
