I must admit: I am a huge proponent of exercise as the best way to lose weight fast, gain energy and generally be a more balanced person. If I am tired, I work out. If I am starting to come down with a cold, I hit the gym. If I am stressed, agitated, angry or nervous, I tie my running shoes and run until my physical exhaustion renders my mental distractions insignificant. Lately I have been more conscious of how much I take my fitness for granted. I see how many people are plagued with excess weight, injuries or physical conditions that prevent them from being physically active, so instead of focusing on fitness today, I have decided to focus on an amazing dietary catalyst that doesn’t get as much attention as it should: Greek Yogurt.

Greek-style yogurt, also known as strained yogurt, often blends into the vast array of yogurt brands on the supermarket shelves, but I assure you, it is quite different! Depending on the variety, it can have up to five or six times the protein content of regular yogurt, thus keeping you fuller for much longer, which helps you to lose weight faster. It also can have more calcium, which is a vital component of our diet, especially for ladies! Most brands of GY do not contain high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, which are often overlooked but nonetheless are harmful alternatives to sugar that are frequently found in regular yogurt. Lastly, Greek yogurt contains active bacterial cultures that promote intestinal health and improve lactose intolerance. Because plain GY has a sour taste, it is a perfect healthy alternative to sour cream! Try mixing  greek yogurt  with fruit, honey, granola or peanut butter to sweeten it up and create a high-protein, healthy and tasty snack. If you don’t eat meat, it is a great source of protein for you. If you eat it as a late-morning snack, you will soon see that your lunch portions become half of what they used to be!

My sister is the person who inspired my passion for GY, not only because she eats it every day but because she works for a Greek beauty brand called Korres that promotes the multifaceted benefits of yogurt as a vital element in their skincare products. Yogurt increases moisture levels in the upper layers of skin without inciting additional oil production, its high content of minerals and vitamins provides antioxidant protection and reduces visible signs of aging, it nourishes and restructures the top layers of the skin and it also softens skin while refining pores and providing a mild anti-bacterial effect.

In my opinion, this amazing food does not get the attention it deserves, so I wanted to give it some love! Look for any of the following brands of GY at your local supermarket and enjoy the benefits of this wonderful food!
Voskos
Chobani
Fage
Oikos
Trader Joe’s Brand

Posted in Main at August 31st, 2010 by Rachel
Tags: best way to lose weight, lose weight fast
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