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.
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
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.
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.