Salads can be some of the healthiest meals out there. Thanks to the fact that they’re typically made up of nutritious veggies, they can be a delicious way to nourish your body and reach your weight loss goals. However, adding fattening ingredients to the mix could negate the health benefits. And typically, creamy salad dressings make some of the worst options out there if you’re trying to lose weight. However, there is one great choice that could satisfy your creamy cravings without overloading your salad with empty calories and thwarting your weight loss goals: Greek yogurt-based dressing.
To learn more about why Greek yogurt dressing makes one of the best choices if you’re trying to shed a few pounds, we spoke to nutritionist Mary Sabat. She told us that this tasty dressing can pack in protein, calcium, probiotics, and even more benefits. Read on for all of her expert insight!
Greek yogurt dressing for weight loss
When it comes to losing weight, Greek yogurt is a fantastic food to add to your diet. Not only can it add a range of benefits to your breakfast, but it's also a delicious and nutritious salad dressing ingredient.
"Greek yogurt is a protein-rich and probiotic-packed ingredient that can provide creaminess without excessive calories or unhealthy fats," Sabat tells us.
For starters, she notes that it's "high in protein, which can help you feel full and satisfied for longer periods" and "curb your appetite and prevent overeating." That can definitely do wonders for your waistline!
Additionally, the calcium in Greek yogurt can help support weight loss by "promoting fat breakdown and inhibiting fat absorption," while probiotics can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. "A balanced gut microbiome has been linked to improved metabolism and reduced inflammation, both of which can aid in weight loss," Sabat explains.
Of course, the fact that Greek yogurt is low in calories and fat is also a major plus. "Compared to traditional creamy dressings made with mayonnaise or sour cream, Greek yogurt-based dressings are typically lower in calories and fat," Sabat says. "This can help you reduce your overall calorie intake." Bye bye, fattening Ranch!
Greek yogurt dressing recipe
Luckily, Greek yogurt dressings are highly customizable, so you can whip one up that's suited to your personal taste. Sabat offers one tasty recipe:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water (to adjust consistency)
"In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper," she instructs. " Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed." Perfect!
Don't forget portion control
Of course, just as with any food, it's always important to remember that the key to eating healthy is consuming in moderation. "While this Greek yogurt-based dressing is a healthier option, portion control is still important for weight loss," Sabat says. "Even though it's nutritious, consuming excessive amounts can still contribute to an excess of calories." Got it!
READ MORE: This 5-Ingredient Salad Recipe Is The Healthiest Way To Crush Your Weight Loss Goal In The New Year
