It seems like every time we turn on the television or open a magazine we see a very slender beautiful woman eating her yogurt. From a young age we have been taught that yogurt is a “healthy” snack. That will make use look good and feel great right?
When I have nutrition consultations that is one item on their list that people truly believe is benefitting them, and when I ask them why here are some responses.
– Low in Calories
– Low in Fat
– Calcium enriched
– It gives me the protein in need
etc… But does it?
I just finished a two-week series on women in health from Neely Quinn and that was a serious issue discussed with many of her clients as well.
So what then is the truth about yogurt …..
First, most people have some level of lactose intolerance, and many people have an immune response to casein, which is a protein in dairy. I do and have since I was 6 and my husband has realized since he has taken it out of his diet he does not have so much mucus and can breathe better.
If you look at the back of a yogurt label you will find that “healthy” treat is filled with toxic artificial colors, flavors, additives, artificial sweeteners and sugar (usually high fructose corn syrup) — which as we know, can dramatically mess with our blood-sugar balance and make it difficult to lose the lbs.
Not to mention the fact that these toxic additives (and sugar) can promote the growth of bad bacteria, yeast, and fungi in your gut causing bloating, IBS, migraines etc…
Unfortunately, commercial yogurts are pasteurized and homogenized, which means that most of the “good” Acidophilus (or bacteria to benefit us) that WOULD be in the yogurt are depleted before they make it to the grocery stores.
We are the only mammal that still consumes dairy after infancy so why is this product with added hormones and processed ingredients so “good” for our health?
Yogurt can lead to symptoms ranging from gas, acne, eczema, bloating, constipation, brain fog, anxiety, yeast infection, bad periods, hormone imbalances, rising levels of insulin, and more.
So the next question my clients ask is “If I can’t have my yogurt, what can I have?
Good news — there are plenty of alternatives to keep you happy and feeling great all at the same time.
Paleo Yogurt:
2 cups coconut milk
2 tsp grass fed gelatin
2 tbl raw honey
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Directions:
Add the gelatin to a small jug or cup, along with 3 tbl of the coconut milk. Use a fork to stir the gelatin and coconut milk mixture together. Set aside.
Pour the remaining coconut milk into a saucepan and whisk in the raw honey,vanilla extract and lemon juice.
Turn the burner to low and add the gelatin mixture to the pan. Gently warm the coconut milk until warm, whisking until the gelatin is combined and lump free.
Pour the yogurt mixture into a bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so that the gelatin sets. Put in food processor and blend until it is a yogurt base.
This is a great blog from Paleo Leap that contains great advice on yogurt and other dairy alternatives.
Fit Chic