Home / Support Groups

Which foods help you stay OP?

Page 2 of 2

Go to Page

You're on Page 2 of 2

#16

Jane , 03-16-2008 06:38 PM

I know I mentioned mutigrain bread before, but Pepperidge Farms 15 Grain bread is so good! One piece folded in 1/2 used for a sandwich stays with me longer than regular whole grain bread. Must take a long time to digest, lol.

Anybody else finding some good foods out there that are helping you stay OP?

Reply
#17

Sassy_Chick , 03-27-2008 08:20 PM

5 Reasons to Love Yogurt
I found this article and figured this was a good place to put it. Yogurt is one of the many foods (check labels though) that can help us stay on track and make us feel like we are "indulging" when we aren't. There are also some recipes at the bottom, enjoy.

5 Reasons to Love Yogurt!
By Mueller Glenn
eDiets Senior Writer/Editor

This may not be the most "manly" thing to admit, but I love yogurt. In fact, with the possible exception of beer, I can't think of anything I like more... Well, not in the food and beverage category, anyway. Whether I am looking for a quick, tasty breakfast or just need a healthy snack to tide me over, yogurt is always there to satisfy my needs. There's nothing quite like the smooth and creamy texture of yogurt, and even the sound of the word is pleasing to my ears. I must have tried just about every flavor of yogurt known to man, although my favorite is still strawberry.

It is amazing how much pleasure my taste buds get every time I consume a small carton of yogurt. And, perhaps best of all, eating yogurt is one indulgence that I never have to feel guilty about. After all, there's no denying that yogurt is a great source of nutrition. "Yogurt" is also the name of Mel Brooks' character in the movie Spaceballs... but, I digress.

The point is that yogurt is not only fun to eat; it is also a terrific superfood. If you want to get the scoop, here are 5 great reasons to add yogurt to any healthy meal plan:

1. The Power of Protein: Yogurt is an excellent source of protein, averaging about 6-8 grams per 6-ounce container.

2. Crazy about Calcium: It's also a great source of calcium, providing about 250 milligrams per serving.

3. The Virtues of Vitamins: In addition to protein and calcium, most varieties of plain, low-fat and nonfat yogurt are also packed with other vitamins and minerals -- including magnesium, potassium and vitamins B2, B6 and B12.

4. Get Cultured: Do you remember the old joke about the two cartons of yogurt that walk into a bar? The bartender says, "We don't serve your kind in here." And one of the yogurt cartons replies, "Why not? We're both cultured." (Sorry, I couldn't resist putting that in!) The joke makes an excellent point though. Yogurt is indeed cultured. In fact, it is full of live, active cultures (good bacteria that promotes digestive health and stops harmful bacteria in its tracks). Some studies have also indicated that live and active cultures may even help boost your immune system.

5. The Proof of the Pudding: As the old adage tells us, "The proof of the pudding is in the eating." Instead of using pudding as a point of reference, they really should have encouraged people to eat more yogurt. It is much better for you than pudding, anyway! But the most important reason to love yogurt is that it tastes great. When it comes to foods that taste good and are good for you, yogurt is in a class by itself.

However, it is important to remember that not all yogurts are created equal. So the next time you are cruising through the yogurt section of your local grocery store, be prepared to do some label reading. Right next to your healthy-option yogurts, you'll find a host of brands laden with fat, sugar and other less than desirable ingredients.

Your best bet is to look for an organic yogurt like Stonyfield Farm. They use only natural and organic ingredients, with none of the preservatives, artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners that some of the other brands put in their products. And their organic ingredients are all produced without the use of antibiotics, artificial growth hormones, persistent pesticides or chemical fertilizers. In fact, Stonyfield Farm started as an organic farming school committed to teaching sustainable agricultural practices. So you can rest assured that delicious, Stonyfield Farm organic yogurt is made from milk that comes from all-natural cows. And the taste is so rich and full of flavor, it'll leave you begging for moo!

Stonyfield Farm's line of fat-free, low-fat and whole milk yogurts come in a wide assortment of flavors. They have everything from Black Cherry to Key Lime to Mocha Latte. And the next time you are in the mood for a light and healthy dessert or treat, grab a 6-ounce Stonyfield Farm Fat Free Chocolate Underground for a taste that just can't be beat. Stonyfield Farm also offers a host of other great products, including soy yogurt, Greek yogurt, milk, smoothies and even ice cream and frozen yogurt.

Does all this yogurt talk have you craving some of its creamy goodness? You're in luck! Here are a couple of great recipes from Stonyfield Farm:

White Chocolate Mousse
Rich and creamy, with a delicious taste.

Ingredients:
1 4-oz. package of premium baking white chocolate
3/4 cup chilled whipping cream
1/2 cup vanilla Stonyfield Farm Yogurt

Directions:
In a microwave safe bowl, melt white chocolate and 1/4 cup whipping cream on high for 2 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Stir until white chocolate is completely melted. Cool for 20 minutes or until reaching room temperature, stirring occasionally.

Beat remaining whipping cream and yogurt in a chilled bowl with an electric mixer on medium to form soft peaks. Do not over beat. Fold 1/2 of the whipped mixture into the white chocolate. Fold in the rest of the mixture just until blended. Spoon into dessert dishes and refrigerate for 2 hours or until ready to serve. Yields 4-6 servings.

Banana Mango Tango Smoothie

Ingredients:
1 cup of Stonyfield Farm Fat Free, Lowfat or Whole Milk Plain Stonyfield Farm Yogurt*
1-1/2 cups of Newman's Own Old Fashioned Virgin Roadside Lemonade
2 ripe bananas
1 ripe mango (peeled & cubed)
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
4-6 ice cubes

Directions:
Combine yogurt, lemonade and fruit in a blender. Blend at high speed until fruit (and ice) is finely chopped. Yields 4-6 servings.

*For a delicious frosty treat, substitute the yogurt with 1 cup of Stonyfield Farm Organic Vanilla Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt and omit the ice.

For more great recipes, check out the Stonyfield Farm's Web site at: http://www.stonyfield.com/.

Reply
#18

Jane , 03-28-2008 11:03 AM

Thanks for sharing, Sassy. Smoothie weather is fast approaching! Somehow they just taste better in the summer.

Reply
#19

Jane , 05-05-2008 12:38 PM

Mmm, raw sugar snap peas are great in salads, or dipped in a bit of lite dressing. Each cup has 0 WW points, 40 calories, 3 gr. of fiber, 98% of your daily vitamin C, lots of flavor and crunch!

Reply
#20

short & sassy , 05-05-2008 08:38 PM

When I really feel the munchies coming on...you know that feeling you get when your hand automatically wants to put something in your mouth...it's almost like being on auto pilot...anyway, for those days I like to eat lots of baby carrots with ff ranch dressing or popcorn; I've also found that watermelow and canaloupe also work to feel you up without doing much damage to your healthy eating plan!

Reply
#21

Amany , 05-05-2008 09:38 PM

I have found that about a quarter cup of nuts will go a long way for me. Yogurt works great for me too, as long as it doesn't have the sugared fruit.

Reply