Greek Yogurt Ice Cream Is Greek yogurt a healthy alternative to ice cream? Yes, of course, especially if you make frozen yogurt with it. You can also use any other kind of yogurt for the desert, as well as plant-based or dairy-free milk for extra benefits. Add fruits, nuts, and/or granola if you want more flavor.
Nutritionally, yogurt also trounces ice cream by far. Fro yo contains carbohydrates, protein and vitamins, all in higher quantities than ice cream, and it also packs a healthy dose of calcium which aids in strengthening bones, keeping the heart in good shape, and also helps in losing weight.
Creamy Greek yogurt is not only a great protein source but also a low-calorie and delicious alternative to ice cream, especially in the summer. And if you're looking for even more ways to enjoy this superfood, you can try making homemade frozen Greek yogurt.
Frozen yogurt is also a great alternative that gives you that frozen treat feel but with the same health benefits as yogurt. Homemade ice cream is also a great alternative to store-bought. In addition to traditional flavors such as vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate, you can make fruity flavors.
Because of its straining and fermentation processes, Greek yogurt has less lactose than regular yogurt, milk and even ice cream. And its live and active cultures help break down the lactose it does contain, making it easier for people to digest.
Products made from cream — like ice cream, cream cheese, custard, or butter — should be avoided due to the high levels of lactose. In addition to some kinds of cheeses, some people with lactose intolerance may be able to eat yogurt in moderation, as the lactose has been partly broken down.
Greek Yogurt proves to be a great food to promote weight loss, as it boasts a high protein content while being low in fat, carbs, calories, and sugar. Plus it's rich in probiotics to help with immune and digestive health, providing good bacteria for a healthy gut biome.
What is the biggest surprise when it comes to Greek yogurt, though? Many options that are low in fat are actually high in sugar, which can lead to weight gain when you aren't expecting it. Don't be fooled by the hype — going Greek is good for you, but like so many other things, it's best done in moderation.
Being rich in protein and calcium, Greek yogurt may help you feel more satisfied after eating. This is because this combination of nutrients helps to increase levels of appetite-suppressing hormones. Including yogurt in your diet is also associated with a lower body weight, body fat percentage and waist circumference.
Frozen Yogurt
May contain live, good-for-your-gut probiotics (but check the label). Lower in calories than ice cream. Lower in saturated fat than ice cream.
Replace with: Low-fat yogurt. The yogurt pairs proteins with carbs, and because it's lighter, the stomach has to work less digesting it than ice cream, explained Stefanski. That means less chance of a belly ache in the middle of the night.
Its decadent and rich flavor makes it a great addition to any sweet or savory dish, but it's not perfect. Greek yogurt can actually cause some less than ideal side effects. It contains a natural sugar called lactose and a protein known as whey which can cause inflammatory issues.
“People don't realize that it often has more sugar than ice cream,” says Dana Kofsky, a California-based nutritionist. Per each half-cup serving, frozen yogurt contains roughly 17 grams of sugar. Meanwhile, ice cream only has about 14 grams of the sweet stuff for the same serving size.
Greek yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, which can help improve bone health. It also contains probiotics, which support a healthy bacterial balance in the gut. Eating Greek yogurt may be associated with lower blood pressure and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
Consuming one to two cups of lowfat Greek yogurt daily can be a healthy addition to your diet without making it difficult to maintain your weight.
Eating two to three servings of yogurt per week decreases sugar and caffeine cravings. This helps with weight management and improved heart health. It also reduces the risk of diabetes and age-related cognitive impairment.
“Yogurt is associated with decreased inflammation, decreased insulin resistance and it may prevent type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Hu says. Nutrition researchers believe yogurt's anti-inflammatory power comes from the probiotics it contains, but that has yet to be confirmed with rigorous trials, he says.
ATTENTION ALL LACTOSE INTOLERANT PEOPLE: YOU CAN EAT CHEESE!
Even if ice cream destroys your insides, you can still comfortably indulge in cheese on the regs. Why? Because cheesemaking converts lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid. Any cheese aged 2 mo. or more is virtually lactose-free.
It's the perfect non-dairy choice, made the Chobani Way: with only natural ingredients and real fruit for a creamy texture and refreshing taste.