Greek yogurt a fantastic food that can be used in recipes to decrease calories, pump up the calcium, protein and reduce fat.

Greek yogurt is high in protein and calcium with the added benefit of helping you feel full longer.  A full tummy is a happy tummy and  in turn lead to weight loss.

Here are some great ways to add Greek yogurt into your recipes:

1. Instead of flavored yogurt- make a fabulous fruit parfait for breakfast or a snack. Layer nonfat greek yogurt with mixed berries and top with either chopped walnuts, almonds or granola

2. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo- substitute nonfat greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for tuna, chicken or egg salad

3. Instead of sour cream- A dollip of greek yogurt on your baked potato with chives and fresh ground pepper is a great way to decrease the saturated fate and add more calcium

4. Replace for oil in baking- when baking instead of using 1 cup of oil, use ¾ cup greek yogurt. That’s an 1, 800 calorie reduction, what a treat!

5. Replace creamy sauces- dress up poached salmon or broiled fish with mustard–dill sauce- ¾ cup nonfat greek yogurt, ¼ cup dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon dried dill, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon honey

6. Healthy coleslaw- coleslaw is a great American favorite, but loaded with fat. Try trimming the fat- 1/3 cup nonfat greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 cups chopped cabbage, ½ cup shredded carrots, ¼ cup chopped celery.

Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference, give it a try!