Clean Eating Greek Yogurt

The title of this post may be somewhat redundant. Greek yogurt (the low-fat or non fat version) IS a clean food. I also think it’s an often overlooked snack for kids.

I mean, at 22 grams of protein per cup, it’s pretty forgiving on the carb additions. This makes it perfect for kids.

One thing I learned while I was pregnant (I had gestational diabetes), was that healthy carbs are a good thing so long as you pair them with an equal amount of protein (this should sound familiar to anyone who’s read the Tosca Reno books). And since Greek Yogurt already has a high protein content, you can pretty much add any naturally sweet addition and have it be a very balanced snack.

When I spent a year in Germany as a nanny, I was amazed that I could purchase honey yogurt in the stores like we purchase yogurt with fruit here in the states. Back then, I had never seen this option in the California stores. It was such a simple combination, and yet it was so delicious! The kids I took care of ate it for dessert on a regular basis.

Try these toppings:

• ~ 1/2 cup yogurt and 1 tbsp. agave or honey
• ~ 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/2 banana
• ~ 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/2 cup mixed berries and nuts
• 1/4 cup clean eating granola

The toppings are endless. Just keep it healthy!

Side note: While I’m fully aware of the obesity epidemic in the population of American children, I caution against removing too much fat from your children’s diet. I’ve seen parents do this, and I don’t believe it’s healthy. Your kids are growing and developing. They need more (healthy) fats than adults do.

That said, you obviously can’t go hog wild. We have an obesity epidemic for a reason. But most of that epidemic can be related to poor nutrition and excess amounts of bad fats and processed foods.

It’s the good fats that our kids need for brain development and so much more. So consider giving them low-fat Greek yogurt instead of non fat, unless you know that they are getting tons of fat somewhere else in their diet. It all comes down to a matter of balance. If your kids are active (as they should be), then low-fat should be fine.

*Please see disclaimer at bottom of page.

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