As a food blogger and a doting mommy I always ensure that my family gets to eat healthy food. I always cook food with freshest ingredients. There are days when I treat my family with special indulgences occasionally, but I do my best to cook and feed them healthy food. Sometimes I feel that I am lucky as my little one does not like junk food. I feel I am a lucky mom, as my daughter does not like pizzas, burgers or junk food. She just does not eat samosas and puffs.
At a very tiny age, I introduced my daughter to healthy yoghurts. She was not introduced to ice-creams until the age of 3. When I gave ice-cream to her the first time, she told me that it’s too cold and to heat and serve. Taking advantage of the situation, I introduced her to healthy yoghurts. I tricked her into believing that it was ice-cream and she relished it. She’s a grown-up now and can understand the difference between ice-cream and yoghurt. At times I resist in giving my child ice-cream, but I never stop her from eating yoghurt as it is a probiotic. I even pack it in her snack box and she loves to show it off in her school thus encouraging her friends.
Did you know that yoghurt is a healthy snack? Yes! I knew about it long back, but I learnt a lot of things about yoghurt at the bloggers meet conducted by Danone at Fava, UB City Bangalore. Danone is a leading food company and has a unique mission to bring healthy food to as many people as possible. Danone is a global food company that holds top positions globally through four businesses: Fresh Dairy Products, Early Life Nutrition, Waters and Medical Nutrition. Danone is operating in more than 130 countries across five continents. In India, Danone started its dairy business in 2010, while the nutrition business was started in 2012 through the acquisition of the nutrition portfolio from Wockhardt Group.
We were welcomed at Fava by Shefali Sapra who is the Director of Corporate Affairs at Danone. She gave us an introduction to Danone, their journey so far and the latest products that will be launched. She also spoke about Danone Greek Yoghurt and the various flavors that were launched. Followed by this we were given a presentation by Dr. Madhavi Marathe, the senior nutritionist at Danone. Dr. Madhavi spoke about the various health benefits of yoghurt and swapping it with other food items. She spoke about healthy eating habits and about swapping fried food and other snacks with Greek yoghurt.
What is yoghurt?
Yoghurt is a cultured milk product which is soured and thickened by the action of specific lactic acid-producing cultures added to milk. The lactic acid produced by the culture coagulates the milk protein, thickening the milk and adding the characteristic sour flavor. Yoghurt is a naturally nutritious food that is good for people of all age groups. It is an excellent source of protein, calcium and potassium. A single serving of yoghurt will give you a significant boost of Phosphorous, Potassium, B12, Riboflavin, Zinc, Iodine, and Vitamin B5. In common language yoghurt means dahi.
What is Greek Yoghurt?
Greek yoghurt is nothing but hung curd which we make at home. Greek yoghurt is more concentrated, creamier and has higher protein than regular yoghurt. The calcium and protein content in Greek Yoghurt is higher than other options. When made commercially low fat milk or double toned milk is used which is low in fat and high in protein.
Danone Greek yoghurt:
It has 87% more protein than regular yoghurt. The plus point is, there is no added sugar and is low in fat. It comes in 3 flavors:
- Greek Style Yoghurt Strawberry
- Greek Style Yoghurt Blueberry
- Greek Style Yoghurt Mango
- Greek Style Yoghurt Plain
My daughter loved the mango flavor, but I preferred the plain non flavored one. Lychee and Peach flavors will be launched soon.
The mango, blueberry and strawberry variants are made with natural ingredients and contains only fruit pieces without the addition of any colors or artificial flavors. It contains more protein and lower fat than regular fruit yoghurt available in the market. It is priced at Rs.35/- for an 80 gms cup. The product will be available in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai, where Danone has fresh dairy presence.
Why is Greek Yoghurt healthy?
Greek yoghurt contains live and active cultures – living beneficial bacteria which supports digestion and improves gut health. It is a probiotic. It is very healthy and can even be consumed by lactose intolerant people as it has twice the amount of protein and less lactose than regular yoghurt.
What is The Healthy Swap?
The Healthy Swap initiative is a unique initiative announced by Indian Dietic Association (IDA), Bangalore chapter to spread awareness of healthy snacking options that can be swapped with not so healthy ones. Swapping unhealthy foods with healthy food and regular exercise will not only will help you in maintain weight, but will also change your lifestyle.
As you read that Greek Yoghurt is healthy, why don’t you swap it with other food options and live a healthier lifestyle? Instead of applying butter on bread, swap it with healthy Greek yoghurt. Instead of pastries, eat yoghurt. It’s healthy and can be added to muesli, salads, smoothies and diced fruits.
After the presentation, Chef Abhijit Saha, demonstrated 4 healthy recipes which can be made using Danone Greek Yoghurt. Chef Saha told us how to use Greek Yoghurt as a healthy substitute for mayo, creamy dip, cheesy spreads, etc. He also mentioned that yoghurt tends to split when it gets hot and you should be quick when cooking hot recipes like soup with it. He demonstrated the following recipes which were delicious:
Superfood smoothie made with spirulina, alfa alfa, flax seeds,mint leaves, honey and more.
Spiced beet labneh with lavosh
Mango yoghurt and ginger explosion
Blueberry yoghurt pannacotta
Greek yoghurt and chicken soup
Now I am surely going to replace all the chips, pastries and biscuits with Danone Greek Yoghurt. This has become one of my favorite 7’o clock snack.
So will you replace junk food with Greek Yoghurt? What are your healthy swaps?
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