How to benefit inside and out with plain yogurt.

Calling all yogurt connoisseurs to become healthier!

Cook for Today
2 min readJun 28, 2024
Photo by author.

Start with these ideas to improve your yogurt choices and add-ins.

Grocery store purchase.

  • Choose plain whole or nonfat yogurt (no added sugar, artificial flavorings, or fruit). No hidden additives to interfere with a gluten-free diet.
  • Shake the container gently to judge a firmness and slight liquid motion. Too much fluid movement and swishing sound can indicate a spoiled product.
  • Yogurt containers will be stored in an enclosed refrigerated compartment and feel cool.

Read labels for details about.

  • Live and active cultures for healthy digestion.
  • Check the expiration date.

Color and texture of plain yogurt and whey.

Plain yogurt is almost pure white with a thin watery layer of off-white whey on top.

Whey.

The thin clear liquid covering the top of yogurt comes naturally with vitamins and minerals. Mix it in instead of draining it off. Whey provides additional protein and good nutritional value.

Frozen yogurt does not count for optimal nutritional value.

Now for your healthy yogurt creation.

  • Fresh berries.
  • Banana.
  • Peanut butter.
  • Honey.
  • Ice.
  • Brewer’s yeast.
  • 1 and 2 percent milk.
  • Sugarless milk substitutes (goat milk).

Smoothie Recipe

Yield: One serving

¾ cup of 1% milk

½ cup of plain yogurt

2 tablespoons of peanut butter

1 small banana

½ cup of blackberries

1 teaspoon of blackstrap molasses

1 teaspoon of brewer’s yeast

1 teaspoon of ground flax seeds

Nutrition Facts (estimate) for 8 oz of yogurt.

  • 8 grams of protein
  • 15 grams of carbohydrate.

Natural skin health for skin irritations and rashes recipe

Yield: 1/4 to 1/2 cup (estimate)

  1. Combine and mix completely.

1/2 cup of water.

1 tablespoon of cooked instant oatmeal.

Cook for one minute. Add more water based on the desired thick or thin consistency.

2. Add in and mix completely.

2 tablespoons of yogurt.

1 teaspoon of castor oil.

1 teaspoon of baking soda.

Test one small skin area on the arm for possible allergies; wait at least 2 hours. Check for any reactions.

Dab lightly on irritated skin; may take several applications to indicate skin relief.

  • Store in a sealed container.
  • Stays fresh and usable for one week refrigerated.
  • Mix and use as needed.

Thank you for reading:-)

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Cook for Today

Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with a culinary arts degree. Food and nutrition freelance writer "back to the basics!”