FitSugar

Greece's Hidden Secret: FAGE Yogurt

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 14:05:57 -0800

I love yogurt but for me there are very few yogurts that stand out among the pack.

That is why I was totally blown away when I tried, FAGE Total Yogurt (pronounced: Fa'-yeh!). FAGE Total is "Greek yogurt" that is truly Greek -- You can tell by the signature rich and thick velvety texture. It gets the great texture with the unique straining and separating process of the whey from the yogurt. The process also makes the product a suitable cooking ingredient as it does not curdle at high temperatures. What's more? All the FAGE yogurts contain Live & Active Cultures.

The taste is unbeatable and the texture is downright amazing. For me, nothing is worse than eating super runny yogurt. The FAGE Total 0% has 80 calories and zero grams of fat and unlike most fat free yogurts, it actually tastes really, really good.

I used it to make my most recent batch of Tzatziki and it was the best yet! Look for it in boutique and health food grocery stores. For more info, visit the FAGE Website.

Greek Yogurt Breakdown

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:00:00 -0700

I'm a big fan of yogurt. It's a tasty way to get protein and calcium, especially before or after a workout. Greek yogurt is one of my faves because it's packed with so much more protein than regular yogurt, and the thicker consistency makes it feel more decadent.

Since Greek yogurt is becoming more popular, there are many companies making it now. If you want to know how they compare, read more.

Yogurt	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Cholesterol (g)	Sodium (mg)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)
Cabot Plain (6 oz)	210	17	55	80	6	7
Cabot 2% Strawberry (6 oz.)	160	3	20	80	24	13
Chobani Original Plain (6 oz.)	240	17	65	60	6	14
Chobani Lowfat Plain (6 oz.)	130	3.5	10	70	7	17
Chobani Nonfat Plain (6 oz.)	100	0	0	70	7	18
Chobani Vanilla Nonfat (6 oz.)	120	0	0	65	13	16
Chobani Honey Nonfat (6 oz.)	150	0	0	65	20	16
Chobani Peach Nonfat (6 oz.)	140	0	0	80	19	14
Chobani Strawberry Nonfat (6 oz.)	140	0	0	80	19	14
Chobani Blueberry Nonfat (6 oz.)	140	0	0	65	20	14
Fage Total Classic (7 oz.)	263	20.1	35	57	6.1	13.1
Fage Total 2% (7 oz.)	131	3.9	13	66	7.9	16.6
Fage Total 0% (5.3 oz.)	79	0	0	56	5.9	13.2
Fage Total With Honey (5.3 oz.)	250	12	20	35	28	8
Fage Total 2% With Honey (5.3 oz.)	180	2.5	5	40	29	10
Fage Total With Strawberry (5.3 oz.)	210	12	20	35	18	8
Fage Total 2% With Strawberry (5.3 oz.)	140	2.5	5	40	19	10
Fage Total With Peach (5.3 oz.)	210	12	20	35	18	8
Fage Total 2% With Peach (5.3 oz.)	140	2.5	5	40	19	10
Fage Total With Cherry (5.3 oz.)	210	12	20	35	18	8
Fage Total 2% With Cherry (5.3 oz.)	140	2.5	5	40	19	10
Oikos Plain (5.3 oz.)	90	0	0	60	6	15
Oikos Vanilla (5.3 oz.)	110	0	0	60	11	15
Oikos Honey (5.3 oz.)	120	0	0	50	17	13
Oikos Blueberry (5.3 oz.)	120	0	0	70	15	13

I'm curious, which brand of Greek yogurt do you usually buy?

I Heart Greek Yogurt

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:45:00 -0700

There are so many reasons to love Greek yogurt, like Fage brand. According to the experts at the Berkeley Wellness Letter, Greek-style yogurt has about 50 percent more protein than regular yogurt, about 20 grams per eight-ounce cup to regular yogurt's 13 grams.

It is thicker because it is strained and the liquid (aka whey) is removed. Because it has less whey it will stay fresher longer and is less likely to curdle when heated. Greek yogurt also contains less carbs than regular yogurt and therefore less lactose, the sugar in dairy products that can upset some peoples stomachs.

Greek-style yogurt does have some drawbacks, to learn them read more.

It seems that with all good news there comes some bad. Greek yogurt is considerably higher in fat than most other styles of regular yogurt. Make sure that you opt for low-fat or nonfat Greek-style yogurt. It is also lower in calcium than other types of yogurt, but is sill a good source - providing around 150 to 200 milligrams per eight-ounce serving. The recommended daily intake for the mineral is 1,000 milligrams and calcium from food sources is more readily absorbed by the body.

If you don't feel like buying yogurt that has traveled all the way from Greece, Okinos Greek Style Yogurt produced by Stonyfield Farm is organic and tastes great. You could always make your own - you just have to strain it!

Source

Food Review: Chobani Greek Yogurt

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0800

I'm a big fan of yogurt for breakfast or for a pre-workout snack, but I'm an even bigger fan of Greek yogurt. Oikos and Fage are equally delicious, but they're not cheap (about $2 per small container). So when I was food shopping the other day, I was thrilled to see another kind of Greek yogurt called Chobani on sale for $1.29. Wahoo! It doesn't take much to get me excited.

Chobani comes in all sorts of flavors, like strawberry, peach, blueberry, and honey, but I picked up the vanilla. To see what I thought and find out how this yogurt compares to Oikos and Fage read more.

I really loved this Chobani Greek yogurt. It's smooth, thick, creamy, and has a slightly warm vanilla flavor, so you can enjoy it alone or with added fruit and granola. The texture and mild sour flavor reminded me of both Oikos and Fage Greek yogurt, and nutritionally, if you check out the chart below, you'll see all three are pretty similar. Chobani is slightly higher in calories and sugars, but it also contains more protein per container. For me though, I think I'll buy whichever one is the cheapest, being as things are pretty tight these days. If buying organic is important to you though, you may want to spring for Oikos.

	Chobani Vanilla	Oikos Vanilla	Fage Total 0%
Serving Size	6 ounces	5.3 ounces	6 ounces
Calories	120	110	90
Total Fat	0g	0g	0g
Saturated Fat	0g	0g	0g
Cholesterol	0mg	0mg	0mg
Sodium	65mg	60mg	65mg
Carbs	13g	12g	7g
Sugars	13g	11g	7g
Protein	16g	15g	15g
Ingredients	Cultured Pasteurized Nonfat Milk, Sugar, Natural Vanilla Flavor. Contains Five Live And Active Cultures Including S. Thermaphilus, Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, and L. Casei.	Cultured Pasteurized Organic Nonfat Milk, Organic Sugar, Organic Natural Vanilla Flavor. Contains Five Live And Active Cultures Including L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, and L. Casei.	Grade A Pasteurized Skimmed Milk, Live Active Yogurt Cultures (L. Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus).

Oikos Greek Style Yogurt from Stonyfield Farm

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:30:00 -0700

I love yogurt and I really love Greek style yogurt, since it is already strained so it is extra thick and creamy. I was stoked to hear that Stonyfield Farm is now making a Greek style yogurt. I was even more stoked when I tasted it. It is great!!!

Stonyfield Farm has partnered with a master yogurt maker from Greece, Mustafa Dogan to make their new Oikos Greek style yogurt. Let me tell you Mustafa knows his stuff. And, because the yogurt is made by Stonyfield Farm it is organic. Good for you and the planet.

Oikos yogurt is packed with protein - 16 grams per 6 oz. serving - and is naturally lower in carbs and sugars than regular yogurts. The yogurt contains 5 live and active cultures so it is chock full of good bacteria. If plain yogurt is not for you Oikos also makes a vanilla flavored yogurt, which contains a bit more sugar and calories as well. Personally I love eating the plain with fresh fruit and it great for making Tzatziki and dips.

Interested in seeing the nutritional breakdown, then read more

6 oz. container)	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Sugar (g)	Protein (g)
Plain	100	0	7	7	16
Vanilla	120	0	14	14	15

Nutritionally it is quite similar to Fage Total Greek style yogurt, the big difference is that it is made in the U.S. and is organic. Look for it in your local natural food store or in the natural food sections of select grocery stores nationwide. A 6 oz. single serving cup is priced just under $2.00.

New Moon Star Nikki Reed Says Relationship Keeps Her Slim

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:49 -0800

If Kristen Stewart needs any help kicking her nicotine habit, she can look to her New Moon costar Nikki Reed for advice. In the last few months, Reed has given herself a bit of a lifestyle makeover, thanks in large part, as she told People, to her relationship with Greek shipping heir (and Paris Hilton ex) Paris Latsis.

Reed and Latsis have officially been out as a couple since Summer, which was the perfect time for Latsis to introduce Reed to all the outdoor sports he loves. The pair spent the season hiking, windsurfing, and water skiing, and as a result, Reed says, the pounds started dropping.

Besides having tons of fun, Reed was so inspired by her boyfriend's love of the outdoors that she became motivated to get into better shape. First things first, she quit smoking. Now Reed hits the gym for two hours a day and says that being active has made her "much happier."

Last week I shared with you some ways that your relationship might be making you fat, but keep in mind that as with Reed, relationships can have positive effects on health. I personally am healthier now that I'm with a partner who likes being active as much as I do. He and I love riding bikes, climbing, and going on long hikes together. Do any of you credit your relationship for making you healthier?

Your Healthy Food Swaps

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:27 -0800

Since decadent foods like ice cream, baked treats, and fried foods tend to be high in the calorie department, it's good to have a few healthy food swap ideas up your sleeve. Here are some shared by fellow FitSugar readers.

"Avocado instead of mayo . . . sure it may have fat in it but it's healthy fat and tastes delicious. Hummus instead of cream in sauces and soups . . . adds a ton of flavor and protein." - mamasitamalita
"I use balsamic vinegar (not vinaigrette) on my salads without any oil. It gives the same powerful flavor kick but for a lot less calories." - laellavita
"Replace ranch dressing on my salad with cottage cheese." - genipher85

For more great ideas, keep reading

Speak Up: Your Favorite Healthy Food Swaps

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:10 -0800

Great tasting foods such as creamy soups, baked treats, and fried foods tend to be high in calories. So if you can make simple food swaps that reduce calories, but still satisfy your taste buds, you can drop pesky pounds or prevent weight gain.

When making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, I skip the sugar-based jelly and substitute real fruit instead. And when I crave ice cream, I opt for a little bowl of vanilla Greek yogurt with maple syrup since it has less fat and fewer calories, but contains more protein. What about you? Share some of your simple food swaps that make your daily diet healthier and lower in calories.

Plain Yogurt vs. Flavored Yogurt

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:50:03 -0700

For breakfast, yogurt with fruit and granola has become my favorite. I love that the yogurt offers lowfat protein, and the granola gives me fiber to keep me satisfied until lunch. With all this talk about how Americans are getting too much sugar, I'm trying to do what I can to cut back on added sugars.

I was wondering if there's a huge difference when choosing between plain yogurt or one that's flavored. So here's a comparison between a few flavors of Chobani Greek yogurt. To see the chart, read more.

These numbers are based on six-ounce containers.

	Plain	Vanilla	Blueberry	Honey
Calories	100	120	140	150
Saturated Fat	0 g	0 g	0 g	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg	0 mg	0 mg	0 g
Sodium	80 mg	75 mg	65 mg	75 mg
Carbs	7 g	13 g	20 g	20 g
Fiber	0 g	0 g	less than 1 g	0 g
Sugars	7 g	16 g	20 g	20 g
Protein	18 g	16 g	14 g	16 g
Ingredients	Cultured Pasteurized Nonfat Milk.	Cultured Pasteurized Nonfat Milk, Evaporated Cane Juice, Natural Vanilla Flavor.	Cultured Pasteurized Nonfat Milk, Blueberries, Evaporated Cane Juice, Locust Bean Gum, Pectin, Natural Flavor.	Cultured Pasteurized Nonfat Milk, Clover Honey.

Wow. Plain yogurt is clearly the better option when it comes to sugar. The vanilla, blueberry, and honey flavors have more than twice the amount as the plain. Plain yogurt also contains fewer calories and more protein, so I'll definitely stick to plain.

If you're trying to cut down on sugar, but can't stomach the sour taste of plain yogurt, mix in fresh, frozen, or dried fruit. It not only offers added fiber, but it will sweeten your yogurt naturally, unlike the flavored yogurts that contain evaporated cane juice. Tell me, will this info make you choose plain over flavored yogurts?

Snack Attack: Tzatziki, No Longer Greek to Me

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 08:53:45 -0800

I recently spent some time in Greece and I literally lived on Tzatziki and pita the entire time I was there.

Convinced it was going to keep the memories alive at home, I have been making a healthier version of this tasty Greek style dip.

Ingredients:

2 cups of non-fat yogurt
2 large cucumbers
2 tablespoons minced garlic (or 2 garlic cloves)
10 fresh mint leaves
A handful of dill (or if you're like me and don't like dill you can leave this step out)

Put all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until mixed well. You can decide how chunky you want it to be but it should be close to the consistency of ranch dressing (with cucumber bits mixed in). Store in the refrigerator for 2 hours or until ready to serve. Serve with veggies and whole wheat pita, or pita chips.

Why we love it:
Yogurt is a great source of calcium. Try to get organic and Live & Active cultured yogurt to really reap the health benefits.
Cucumbers are very low in calories as well as a great way to help cleanse your insides.
Garlic can fight a common cold (and cough) and could also be effective in the fight against cholesterol.
Mint is great for soothing an upset stomach, it opens airways to help breathing and is a good source of Vitamin C (for an herb at least).

Fit's Tip: This is a great snack to serve if you will be entertaining guests because it can be prepared in advance.