Greek yogurt has almost double the protein--and half the sodium--of regular yogurt, making it an obvious choice. And that's before you factor in Greek yogurt's live and active cultures. By contributing to a healthy mix of bacteria in the gut, probiotics can regulate your gastrointestinal health and digestion (think: no bloat), says Gayl Canfield, RD, director of nutrition at Pritikin Longevity Center. Plus, many brands contain no preservatives, artificial flavors, or synthetic growth hormones.
Shop smart: Read labels carefully. Choose the brand with the shortest ingredient list--fewer ingredients generally signal fewer additives. Also, your blend of choice should contain at least 25 percent of your recommended daily allowance of calcium and vitamin D, says nutritionist Laura Cipullo, RD, owner of Laura Cipullo Whole Nutrition Services in New York City.
