Yoghurt

So, when was the last time you read the labels to compare the nutritional value of the yoghurt you buy?

Most people know that yoghurt is an excellent source of calcium, and contain beneficial probiotics, or 'good bacteria'.  It can help to restore balance in the digestive tract, significantly boost the immune system, offset any damage caused when taking antibiotics, reduce lactose intolerance, assist in preventing eczema in children, reduce incidences of yeast infection, increase the ability of the body to digest food & increases the body's ability to absorb calcium.

Yoghurt is also an excellent snack for children, for all the health benefits listed above.  It's simple, quick, nutritious & most kids really enjoy it.  But the scary thing is that the yoghurts that are clearly marketed to children, often contain added refined sugars, flavours, colours & other unnecessary additives.  They then add bright colours & recognisable characters and place them at child's height!  Most supermarkets also have the yoghurts in the last isle - I know by the time I am most of the way through the shopping, the kids and I are ready to go and it makes it more tempting to give in to a child's request for the yoghurt with the bright colours or favourite character on it.

It's so important to be reading the labels, so that you can make an informed choice of the food you choose to put into your body, and the choice you make on behalf of your child.  Look for sugar content per 100g, as well as where that sugar is coming from (fruit, fruit juice, sugar, artificial sweeteners). The best option is plain, natural yoghurt, without refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavours, colours or preservatives.

But that doesn't mean it has to be boring!  Make plain yoghurt more exciting:

- Drizzle over a little raw honey (kids will love to mix it up themselves!)
- Add some whole berries or chopped fresh fruit
- Top with some crunchy toasted chopped nuts, seeds or additive free muesli
- Mix in some fresh fruit juice and freeze into iceblock moulds
- Cook chopped apple & little water in a saucepan until soft, gently mash & add to yoghurt with a little cinnamon (cook extra apple & use the extra for mini apple crumbles!)
- Use as a base for yummy fruit smoothies

You'll also be saving money by buying in bigger containers, and helping our environment through less waste!