Our department at work is very conscious about weight gain, particularly because we found that sitting in front of a computer all day does not help our maturing bodies maintain a healthy weight. One of our coworkers even climbs the four-story stairs of one of our buildings on campus to stay fit.
I also noticed that we have a new staple in our mini refrigerator - yogurt. When I wasn't exercising and cutting down on rice and sweets (yup the no-sweets diet did not last long) - I replaced ice cream with yogurt, every time I craved ice cream I would eat yogurt instead. I bought them by bulk at Costco, which means I get two or three basic flavors like strawberry and blueberry that will last me a few weeks (I don't really indulge in the exotic pie-like or cake-like flavors).
But other than the fact that it can help in weight loss, yogurt has many health benefits, which include (1) being an excellent source of protein, calcium, riboflavin and vitamin b12; (2) provides a boost to our immune system; (3) prevent osteoporosis; (4) contributes to colon health; (5) aids healing of intestinal infections; (6) decreases yeast infections; (7) lowers cholesterol; and (8) is considered to be a "grow" food.
Yogurt is a great milk substitute because the active cultures in yogurt produce lactase, which break down the lactose in it. Lactose-intolerant people will find it easier to digest and it has greater calcium content than milk. Isn't that great?
So next time you're thinking of a delicious way to help your diet along - especially if you have a sweet tooth like me, try some yogurt with active cultures. It might just be that x-factor that keeps you going!
Stay healthy, my friends!
