What Favorite Healthy Foods and Good Things to Add to Plain Yogurt - You Don't Have to Go With Just Fruits
Yogurt has exceptional nutritional value. For women, study after study has proven that eating yogurt every day, even at more than one meal, contributes to a healthy, active life.
While there are many yogurts and yogurt mixes on the market today, the plainer the better. Here's why.
Plain natural or homemade yogurt, has everything a body needs. Stock up or make batches at a time, and you're all set to integrate, as opposed to segregate, yogurt into your daily foods, allowing the chemical reactions of certain food combinations to release vitamins and minerals, boost your metabolism, vitality, and systems, for a healthier happier you. Yogurt acts as a cutter, helping your body digest and process fats quikly and easily due to its acidity and bacterial makeup.
Facts:
- The more variety of true and natural foods eaten by a person each day (at least 20) the better a job your body can do at keeping you healthy and happy.
- The same goes for color. The foods on your plate should NOT be monochromatic. There should be as many colors of the rainbow at each meal as you can possibly manage.
Realizing and following these rules, and incorporating yogurt into each, means you've got a winning combination. Not to mention, you'll be fuller and more satisfied at each meal with less.
Yogurt is one of the loves of my life. It's a simple yet complex food filled with the necessary bacteria for a healthy digestive system. It decreases the risk of urinary, yeast, and bladder infections. It heals and replenishes the body after antibiotics have ridden yours of both good and bad. Yes, antibiotics may do their job, but they have the tendency to overkill, leaving you and your body at risk of painful infections because the bacteria needed to protect you from these infections are no longer there.
Yogurt is fresh, and can add wonderful tang, sweetness, or a refreshing cool to otherwise mundane recipes. A dallop is all it takes.
MY LIFE WITH YOGURT
As a child, I loved yogurt. Mind you, I did not love it plain. In fact, I don't think I even liked it plain. I loved it with sugar mixed in. part of my breakfasts almost every day.
Add a cup of tea to drink with a scoop of sugared or honeyed yogurt, and I had my favorite snack.
As I grew older, I enjoyed less and less sugar in my yogurt. I also started experimenting. Many recipes I thought that I made up, as so many of us do,only to find that someone had already marketed the idea. No matter. I enjoyed every bit of exploration and every tasty path it took me down.
I learned early on that the key was, however, not to overdo the yogurt. Too much, and your body doesn't want to look at it again for a while. That's because your body only needs so much. Ever heard of too much of a good thing? This applies to the fabulous yogurt. A dab is all you need. Want more, fine. But remember, your body, if you're listening to it, will tell you when to keep going, and when to stop.
Some favorites
While some of these combinations may seem a bit strange to you, I really hope you give them a try (a little bit of yogurt to temp your palette at first, don't go overboard).
Drum roll please...
Of course we all know how wonderful yogurt and fruit and or cereal is. Here's my favorite blend (and for some, like me, order matters; don't ask me why).
- a couple of heaping spoons of yogurt on a small plate
- cut up some fresh banana to cover
- add more cut up fruits if desired
- sprinkle some crunchy honey oats and almond slivers
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Honey and cinnamon go exceptionally well, and make for an exceptional desert or mid afternoon snack with tea. Do take care, however, because cinnamon is stronger than you think. One small tap is probably all you want. As for the honey, drizzle as much or as little as you want. You can mix or just eat as is. Can you say, "yum!"
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There are many cake recipes out there today that use yogurt as an ingredient. This is a fine way to get your daily intake of yogurt. Whether or not your cake is made with yogurt, a dollop on the side of say a slice of pound cake or banana or blueberry bread, can be quite harmonious. Certain pies do well when substituting a whipped topping with yogurt.
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Fruits make nice bowls. Here are two of my favorite fruit as bowl ideas.
- fresh or baked peach, cut in half, and pitted. You can add nuts (almonds or hazelnuts are good), crumbles, a granola or even a spoon of oatmeal, honey, or a touch of cinnamon.
- Cut a pineapple in half, core it, crush or chop up the juicy fruit of it. In a mixing bowl, stir in a bit of yogurt with the cut up fruit, and set the pineapple bowl in the freezer to chill for a half an hour. Pour your yogurt mix into your chilled pineapple bowl, and enjoy.
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Yogurt goes great with vegetables, and blends well with quite a variety of herbs and spices. Set some on the center of a platter and surround with cucumbers, tomatoes, black olives, and pita bread for a fantastic and healthy appetizer.
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Roasted potatoes scream for yogurt, especially at brunch time. I like to set a small bowl of fresh, plain, yogurt at the table with a teaspoon, for people to use.
I have to say, yogurt is 10X more flavorful and exciting on potato skins than sour cream, and 10X more healthy as well. Quite frankly, it's also cheaper. This is a definite must try!
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A sprig of mint on yogurt not only adds a touch of pretty to a plate, but this combo is also excellent on meat. Yes, you read correctly... meat. A bit on your plate for your roast or on your hamburger is fantastic. Plain, spiced, or herbed yogurt is also fantastic on pasta and with fried chicken. Call me crazy, but don't knock it 'till you try it.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT YOGURT, HONEY, AND CHILDREN
Neither honey nor yogurt are good for a child's developing system. Many tend to allow either of these in a baby or toddler's diet because they're soft, and tasty. But fact is, both are major no-no's. It can cause harmful damage to your child's digestive and bowel systems, causeing cramping, and at times, internal bleeding. A child should NOT digest these tasty treats until he or she is able to chew and digest at-table meats well.
RELATED LINKS
- Stonyfield Yogurt Uses Suspect Plastic - thedailygreen.com
Stonyfield yogurt for young children is packaged in No. 6 plastic that includes a suspect endocrine disrupting chemical that may mimic hormones and cause a variety of health problems. - Homemade Yogurt WriteBrained
Wonderful blog, this post with photos and step by step recipe on how to make homemade yogurt by writebrained on wordpress. - How To Make Roast Potatoes Recipe (Food & Drink: British)
Video : Roast Potatoes Recipe. A perfect accompaniment to meat, fish or vegetarian dishes. What is Sunday lunch like without Roast Potatoes. British. Written recipe as well. Video is fantastic and fairly close to how I make mine.
Comments
It is good for men too, of course! I think I get so involved in women's issues, I forget to mention men. Thanks for that. =D I know, I'm hungry too, now. I had to keep setting this hub aside because I kept getting overwhelmed but the yumminess! Thanks for reading.
I'm going to misspell this, but I love Tziki.. help me out here, the greek dressing with lemon, yogurt and cucumber and you put it on Gyros.. It's my fave!!
Tzaziki? I think it's spelled? It is so awesome! And easy to make. It goes so well with so many things! Why did I write this, I am so starving!
I'm cursed. I love yogurt but am lactose intolerant:) But I can eat it occasionally however so long as, as you said earlier, don't over do it. Also pics and recipes, by the way Frieda. Thanks.
Nice job! I am now very hungry for yogurt with fruit!! I can eat yogurt with just about anything and love to make yogurt and fruit drinks.
Frieda you have Inspired me to go eat something now . We got yogurt In the fridge .The baked peach seems like a great Idea .
Thank you for the spelling.. this hub didn't have anything from Pottery Barn in it. I must admit to being a little sad. LOL!!
I'm slightly lactose intolerant myself, dohn121. It's such a shame. But I do seem to do okay with some things. That's such a shame. But a very good thing you can at least enjoy it little bits at a time. Me too, so I don't feel so bad for myself. =D
Triplet Mom, I'm so glad you are a lover of yogurt. It's so diverse and you can get so creative with it! Glad you enjoyed this hub. thanks for the read.
tony0724 - awesome! (Just don't bake it with the yogurt lol, I almost did that once. Don't know what I was thinking).
Candie - roflmao. Well, now, one can certainly imagine the pleasure of eating yogurt and fresh fruits on a pottery barn plate! lol. Wish I had one of those. (like it would make a difference - roflmao again). And you're welcome. Not sure if I spelled it totally right though.
Try mixing chopped cucumber and a finely chopped clove of raw garlic to plain yoghurt to go with lamb kebabs or roast lamb. Yummy
Thanks for another good Hub.
Going to have to try the yogurt on potatoes, makes sense. We're very fond of the Greek brands of yogurt sold here in Florida.
This hub is of special interest to me Frieda - because we market dairy ingredients. Love all those many ways of eating yoghurt - I've never tried it with roasted potatoes - sounds yum - or in stewed peaches!
Great hub! I love fruit and I like yogurt, you've made it simple to combine both in delicious ways. Thanks
I really don't care how it's spelled to tell you the truth, and I'm not even sure I say it correctly. ttzz.. iki! I adore ya OGS2!!
At a dinner party last night had this:
Fresh pureed mango with non-sweetened plain curd / yogurt.
Getting the ratio right is key, but chill it until it's very custard-like and you'll be in heaven!
Thanks for sharing delicious food such as this. I love yogurt and your pictures here make me really hungry (mmmmmmmm!).
I love yogurt. I eat plain vanilla yogurt with a little honey, berries, and granola. It makes a great breakfast. Or smoothies with yogurt. Really nice hub....interesting and informative. All of the images made my mouth water. Thanks for a virtual feast of healthy food....or a feast of virtual healthy food...or...ad infinitum
I like vanilla yogurt. I have some every day with bananas, peaches, usually oatmeal thrown in raw, nuts, blueberries. you name it. Love it in smoothies too. Thanks for all the great ideas....awesome hub.
Frieda,
This is a beautifully, well constructed hub. Another great way to add something good and good for you in any diet plan. Awesome!
Sorry guys, have been having major internet connection issues. Very hard to deal with when you NEED you're internet!!! Special thanks to everyone who read and enjoyed this.
Aidy, thanks! I do hope you eat your yogurt too lol =D
Hi DoodleLyn. My daughter loves vanilla yogurt. Your favorite concoction sounds divine! You're so welcome and thanks for sharing.
alekhouse, yum! what a terrific blend. You're so welcome and rofl to that last part :)
emievil, you are so welcome. I know, I feel like I'm going to die without one of these tasty treats every time I see this. I'm really glad I don't have these ideas framed in my kitchen or I'd never be out of there!
Casemon, FANTASTIC! Thanks for sharing that one! I'm definitely going to have to give that recipe a try!
Candie, neither do I. Just slather some onto something and I'm there!
Hi Frieda, this is a great hub. I enjoy how yogurt is often used as a side dip or sauce in Indian restaurants.
I've made baked stuffed potatoes and scrambled eggs with yogurt and dill weed. Mmm mm.
Jen, I'm so glad you came by for a read. Get to those recipes, go crazy, make your own too! Enjoy.
Tom Rubenoff, Holy cow! That sounds fantastic! Yes, dill and yogurt are fantastic. I am so going to have to try your recipe. Will you hub it? Please please please?
Hey there journey. I haven't eaten at an Indian restaurant to tell the truth but yes, I've heard about their awesome use of yogurt. Matter of fact, I think I'll search one out for out next dinner out night. Thanks for bringing that up.
Shalini, yes, you have GOT to try it. It was the best advice I ever gave myself. lol. Your job is so cool. I'm so intrigued by your topics. I'm going to assume that if one is up to it, some yogurt would make a good chaser for a bach's remedy.
Jerilee, you are so lucky! Yes, lots of awesome Greek stuffs in Florida. Let me know what you think.
2Patricias, I'm thinking YES! YES! YES!
I love yogurt.... I will certainly apply what I have learned from your hub.
wow! a smart one for the tummy..
Good to hear JPSO138. Thanks for popping in. Nice to see you today.
Hi mrgonzalesleo. I'm thinkin' so! Have you had your yogurt for today?
Tzatziki - awesome. I was going to mention some Greek foods go well with yogurt then I realised it was you that wrote this hub! So, you would know it all already! LOL eg you can dip them rolled vineleaves into plain "greek style" yogurt (and then into sweet chilli sauce if you like). Superb! After that lunch you'll be fast asleep like poor old Zomba after he danced too much...
OMG!!!! You are sooo not going to believe this, but I have NEVER tried yogurt on dolma. Holy cow, what a fantastic idea! Thanks, man. I think you mean Zorba, by the way rofl! I can always count on you for the info marco, thanks. And by the way, great to see you today.
Frieda - someone in my house just bought a huge container of plain yogurt. I totally forgot about Tziziki or whatever but don't have any cukes so I've been slopping all over everything - using it instead of mayonaise for potato salad and chicken salad and it was delicious!
Oh awesome, Dolores! Thanks for letting me know. Surprising, isn't it. Wow is all I could say each time I tried it on something in lieu of mayo or sour cream. Squeeze a bit of lemon in with the potato salad or chicken salad and you've got quite a nice zing. Glad you gave it a try. Perfect for summer.
I love yogurt with fruit and oatmeal. The other suggestions sound great too.
It's so delicious. I haven't had that in a while, I think I'm going to have to have that with the fam this week for breakfast or an after school snack. Thanks much for the read Betty.
Michelle, very delicious hub...I'm nibbling on it as I write this. I took a subjective Greek language course once where you just start off reading it. I called it Absorba the Greek and the only thing I remember is learning to dip fresh strawberries in sour cream before dipping them in brown sugar. I know I can't give up the brown sugar, but I'm wondering if dipping them in yogurt first would work. Yummm.
Incidentally, I know you are wondering about the word yogurt or yoghurt in the lands down under and much of Britain although our Canadian neighbors prefer yogourt. Personally I prefer the original Turkish yogurt with the g pronounced as a voiced velar fricative. I have been practicing my velar fricatives and if I don't mind saying so myself, yogurt never sounded or tasted better.
Hey there Winsome. Ah, the pleasures of yahourti, whether spoken or tasted or devoured, take your pick it's all tasty to me too. My goodness, I'd think yoghurt would take the place of sour cream quite nicely...with strawberries and brown sugar, delectable. Probably a nice thick yoghurt would do best. I'm going to try that. I've not had that combination and it sounds enticing! Thanks for the wonderful chat over yoghurt here this morning. Glad you stopped by. =D
Wow, I need to go make some yogurt! Thanks for the reminder to get back into the habit. You've done an excellent job with this hub.
Thanks Lamme. Personally, I'd eat a lot more yoghurt if the kids didn't keep getting to it first. When it comes to yoghurt around here, you've got to be quick. Glad you enjoyed.
Interesting info about yoghurt. My daughter loved it when she was younger and now I see you suggest maybe we shouldn't have given it to her. Well too late now, as they say!
Thanks for such a lot of interesting stuff about yoghurt.
Love and peace
Tony
Who's that cutie in your avatar? I just want to squeeze those cheeks. You're welcome. Thanks much for the read. And yes, too late now, and if she turned out all right, as I suspect she did, then no real harm done. Hope you're doing well. Wonderful to see you.
Thanks for the tips and various ways to enjoy yogurt.
I love yogurt and use it for cooking and baking also.
Well thank you, quuenieproac! Yogurt is just the best.
Amazing hub, Very interesting, love it.
Today's hubchallenge topic: Yogurt
oakleighvermont 2 years ago
WOW, as usual for Frieda, a compendium! I love mine on fresh fruit. And it's good for men too. Now I'm hungry...