Unfortunately, we have to start out this article with some bad news. We’re sorry about that — really, we are — but when we’re done explaining the stuff you don’t want to hear, we’ll reward you with things you definitely, definitely do want to hear. So, here we go: Despite its recent popularity and “healthy” label, it turns out that Greek yogurt isn’t necessarily the good-for-you treat we all thought it was. Don’t worry too much, though. Eating a Greek Yogurt for breakfast isn’t going to hurt you. In fact, you’re right in thinking it’s doing the opposite. The delicious, creamy treat is high in protein and calcium, and it’s also low in sugar. So, then, what are we talking about? Well, due to the fact that everyone and their mother is hopping on the Greek yogurt bandwagon, companies are throwing the name onto their food labels in the hopes that it will convince customers that their products are healthy. See, that’s the bad news: Just because something is made with or from Greek yogurt does not mean it’s healthy.
Shape Magazine has recently revealed the true facts behind these seemingly healthy, Greek-yogurt-infused treats: Granola bars with Greek-yogurt coatings have more sugar and less calcium than the yogurt, and the same goes for Greek yogurt cereal. Basically, these companies are trying to make you think their products are healthy because they put Greek yogurt somewhere on the packaging. But none of these foods has Greek yogurt in its original form, which defeats the purpose. But now their cover has been blown.
Now for the good news: Just because these companies use Greek yogurt in a bad way — the cereal uses its powdered form — doesn’t mean the creamy treat can’t be used in a healthy way. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to cheer you up. After all, we’re the ones who brought you down with this article. Therefore, we’re giving you three absolutely amazing recipes that use Greek yogurt in a good way, a way that actually makes the food you’re about to eat healthier.
1. Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
By using Greek yogurt in this recipe, you’ll be significantly decreasing the amount of sugar in the bread, which means you’ll end up with fewer calories. Who doesn’t love to hear that? And, of course, you don’t even come close to sacrificing the delicious taste of regular banana bread.
2. Greek Yogurt Mac ‘N’ Cheese
This recipe is low-fat all around — you’re using reduced fat cheese — but Greek yogurt is the reason it stays so creamy. You’re cutting out a big chunk of cheese from the average macaroni and cheese recipe, but the addition of the yogurt makes it so you don’t even notice.
3. Greek Yogurt Cheesecake
That’s right. Cheesecake. Made with absolutely no cream cheese, which makes it a whole heck of a lot healthier than your normal dessert. In fact, this treat is so healthy, you can eat it for breakfast if you want. Which you do.
Lesson learned: Beware of the tricky “Greek yogurt” labels at the grocery store, but you can still love the high-protein treat!
Much like buttermilk and sour cream, I’ve never liked yogurt by itself but LOVE its affects on baked goods-the banana bread sounds great!