Boost Your Metabolism Series- Yogurt

Marlayna — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:55:20 +0000

We are providing a 10-part series on our TOP 10 FOODS TO BOOST YOUR METABOLISM. This is the 8th post. To learn more about the Boost Your Metabolism series, please click here!

BOOST YOUR METABOLISM

The secret to boosting your metabolism is FEEDING your body what it needs.

You must eat the right foods, in the right quantities, to get your metabolism working for you, rather than against you. The amount of water, fat, fiber, protein, carbohydrates, sodium, cholesterol, EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids), and vitamins & minerals you consume on a daily basis will either increase your metabolism or your waistline.

The eighth one in our TOP 10 FAVORITE FOODS TO BOOST YOUR METABOLISM is YOGURT!

BENEFITS OF YOGURT

: Photo by Ashles

Yogurt is one of the few animal products that makes the list of super foods to boost your metabolism. The creamy consistency, not only tastes delicious, but provides your body with some unbelievable benefits. Yogurt contains probiotics – the good bacteria (naturally present in yogurt) that helps with the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and keeps your gut healthy.

Fat burning bonus: Researchers have found that increasing your intake of dairy improves your metabolism of fat, which helps trim your waist line.

Yogurt is a good source of Calcium and Vitamin D, and it contains important micronutrients required for functioning of your heart, muscles (calorie burners), nerve functioning, blood clotting, and bone health.

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy the benefits of yogurt. Pineapple upside down cake, raspberry cheesecake, apple turnover, Boston cream pie, and red velvet cake are some of the fun flavored choices of Light Yoplait yogurt.

That leads us to one more wonderful benefit of yogurt- it is low in calories. With only 60-110 calories per serving, yogurt is a great choice as a snack or dessert. You can keep yogurt interesting by pairing vanilla yogurt with fresh fruits, especially berries or blend together for a smoothie.

Yogurt can also be a nice substitution to lower fat when baking. Here are some tips from Taste of Home (http://www.tasteofhome.com/Healthy/Recipe-Makeovers/Baking-Techniques/Yogurt-for-Lower-Fat-Baking)

When a recipe calls for butter, replace half the butter with half as much yogurt. For instance, instead of 1 cup butter, use 1/2 cup butter and 1/4 cup yogurt.
When a recipe calls for shortening or oil, replace half the oil with 3/4 the amount of yogurt. For example, instead of 1 cup oil, use 1/2 cup oil and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons yogurt.
Substitute yogurt cup for cup for sour cream in recipes.
Yogurt can even replace some of the water or milk in a recipe. Start by substituting 1/4 of the liquid with yogurt. The result will be creamier and more flavorful.

RECIPES

Granola-Whole Wheat Waffles with Double-Berry Sauce

http://www.yoplait.com/recipe/granola-whole-wheat-waffles-with-double-berry-sauce?print=true

Are you a weekend breakfast chef? Serve wheaty granola waffles in your home restaurant.

Prep Time:25 min

Start to Finish:25 min

Makes:24 (4-inch) waffles

Ingredients

Sauce
2/3	cup maple-flavored syrup
2/3	cup raspberry jam or preserves
1	cup strawberries, cut into fourths
Waffles
1 1/2	cups Original Bisquick® mix
1/2	cup granola cereal
1/2	cup Gold Medal® whole wheat flour
1 1/2	cups milk
3	tablespoons vegetable oil
2	eggs
1	container (6 oz) Yoplait® Original strawberry yogurt (2/3 cup)

Directions

1.	In 1 1/2-quart saucepan, heat syrup and jam to boiling, stirring occasionally. Stir in strawberries; remove from heat and keep warm.
2.	Heat waffle iron; grease with shortening if necessary (or spray with cooking spray before heating).
3.	In medium bowl, stir all waffle ingredients until blended. Pour batter by 2/3 cupfuls onto center of hot waffle iron; close lid.
4.	Bake 2 to 3 minutes or until steaming stops and waffle is golden brown. Carefully remove waffle. Serve with sauce.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Bake about 4 minutes.

Strawberry Smoothie

http://www.yoplait.com/recipe/strawberry-smoothieTropical yogurt and fresh fruit mix it up in this terrific blender drink.

Prep Time:10 min

Start to Finish:10 min

Makes:1 serving

Ingredients

1	container(6 oz) Yoplait® Original 99% Fat Free strawberry, strawberry kiwi or strawberry mango yogurt
1/2	cup sliced fresh or frozen strawberries
1/2	cup orange or pineapple juice
	Pineapple chunks, strawberries or kiwifruit slices, if desired

Directions

1.	In blender, place yogurt, strawberries and juice. Cover; blend on medium speed about 2 minutes or until smooth.
2.	Pour into serving glass. Garnish with pineapple. Serve immediately.

Caramel Apple Yogurt Parfaits

Enjoy this delicious parfait layered with Yoplait® 99% Fat Free yogurt, apples and caramel topping that is ready in 10 minutes – perfect for a dessert.

Prep Time:10 min

Start to Finish:10 min

Makes:4 servings

Ingredients

2	cups Yoplait® 99% Fat Free creamy vanilla yogurt or Yoplait® Fat Free plain yogurt (from 2-lb container)
2	medium unpeeled apples or pears, cut into chunks (2 cups)
1/4	cup caramel fat-free topping
2	tablespoons coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts

Directions

1.	Reserve 1/4 cup yogurt for topping. Divide remaining yogurt among 4 (8-oz) glasses or dessert dishes. Spoon 1/2 cup of the apple chunks over yogurt in each glass.
2.	Top each with 1 tablespoon of the remaining yogurt. Spoon 1 tablespoon caramel topping over yogurt. Sprinkle pecans over each parfait. Serve immediately.

micronutrients – The Skinny Gene Project

Boost Your Metabolism Series- Yogurt

BENEFITS OF YOGURT