Full-fat vs. Greek yogurt is a better option, as it is higher in protein, but be careful because it can also be loaded with sugar. So you have to read the labels.
According to recent studies, eating a small amount of full fat yogurt or dairy (containing around 4-5% fat content), is still better than eating a larger amount of low fat yogurt or dairy which could contain stabilisers and hidden sugars that mount up the calories.
“Ideally, you want your Greek yogurt to have about 200 calories, a minimum of 2 percent fat, less than 10 grams of total sugar, and at least six grams of protein per serving,” says Feller. “The lower the fat content, the more likely they'll add extra sugar in, so you need to be mindful of that.”
Greek yogurt is a good source of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus – minerals essential for bone health. Indeed, studies suggest that diets which include foods, like yogurt, may support bone mineral density.
Recent research, however, indicates that full-fat dairy may actually be healthier than its reputation suggests, and that people who eat full-fat dairy are not more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes than people who consume low-fat dairy. They may even be less likely to gain weight.
Our registered dietitians give nonfat plain Greek yogurt a big thumbs up because it's not only fat free, it has no added sugars. Plus, it's low in calorie density and sodium, and high in protein, calcium, potassium, and other healthful things.
Greek yogurt has been connected to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can reduce your risk of heart disease. Cholesterol and triglycerides can harden or block your arteries over time, leading to heart disease or atherosclerosis.
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.
Greek yoghurt is generally considered the most nutritious option when it comes to yoghurts. Due to the way it is made, it is naturally higher in protein, which makes it a great addition to breakfast, leaving you feeling satisfied throughout the morning.
Nutritionally, yogurt made with whole milk isn't much different from plain low-fat or nonfat yogurt. They have about the same amount of protein and have probiotics.
In summary, yes, yogurt can be a great food for weight loss. “Yogurt is a good source of protein that helps with satiety,” says Maggie Michalczyk, RDN. That means it'll keep you full for a significant amount of time.
You don't have to give up dairy to follow the Mediterranean Diet. In fact, low-fat yogurt and cheese are an important part of the plan. Choosing low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, or kefir are perfect swaps.
“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.
Greek yogurt is a great ally at breakfast because it's healthy, light, nutritious, and super versatile. In fact, most nutritionists recommend making it part of a balanced diet, since it's also low in sugar and fats (if you choose the fat-free variety, that is).
Nonfat Greek yogurt has about 9 mg of cholesterol per serving, while a single serving of Yoplait Original French Vanilla Yogurt has 10 mg, and Chobani Flip Cookie Dough Yogurt has 15 mg. Ironically, some yogurts have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, potentially because of their probiotic content.
Greek yogurt is often considered the best kind for weight loss given its muscle-preserving and satiating high-protein content-about double that of regular yogurt.
"Regular intake of healthy bacteria, such as the kind from yogurt, has been shown to have positive effects on weight management and the GI tract," says Morgyn Clair, RD. "Eating yogurt daily can help you reach a healthy weight while still providing a satisfying snack."
Full-fat dairy may be easier to digest.
Because full-fat dairy contains less lactose than lower-fat versions, it may be better tolerated by those with lactose sensitivity or intolerance.
Their Greek Yogurt Is High In Protein
cup, whereas regular yogurt has a mere 6 grams. Eating a high-protein snack won't only keep your hunger pangs at bay, it'll also help you build lean muscle mass, which will then burn more calories at rest than fat—helping you lose belly fat.