As we age, it can become more challenging to lose weight due to a variety of factors, from hormonal changes to a slowed metabolism. (You can learn more about how to boost your metabolism over 40 here!) However, making small changes to your diet can make a significant difference in achieving weight loss goals. When it comes to a great, filling breakfast or snack, yogurt is a simple and tasty option—but some varieties are healthier than others. For example, it’s important to stay away from sugar-loaded yogurts (read about what too much sugar does to your body here). But there is one great option that’s filling, low in calories, and low in sugar: Greek yogurt.
To learn more about how eating Greek yogurt can help you lose weight over 40, we spoke to nutritionist and health consultant Dina Mustabašić. She told us that there are so many benefits to this delicious food, from protein to probiotics. Find all of her expert insight below.
How Greek yogurt promotes weight loss
There's so much to love about Greek yogurt; here are just a few of the weight loss-friendly benefits.
High Protein content
One of the biggest benefits of Greek yogurt, especially when it comes to losing weight, is the fact that it's a fantastic source of protein. This is crucial to your overall health and can play a major role in helping you slim down.
"Protein keeps us fuller for longer periods, which helps increase satiety and reduce hunger," Mustabašić explains. That means that when you eat Greek yogurt, you're much less likely to overeat and chow down on unhealthy processed foods like these later on.
"The protein in Greek yogurt can help to reduce hunger and support weight management, which can be especially beneficial for women experiencing hormonal changes," Mustabašić adds. Find more of the best high-protein foods here.
Low in sugar and calories
Another major benefit of Greek yogurt is the fact that it provides all that protein without overloading you with sugar and calories. It's an especially healthy option when compared to other yogurt varieties (including fat-free ones, which tend to be packed with sugar).
"Greek yogurt is usually lower in calories than many other types of yogurt, and it has less sugar, making it a great snack option for those who are trying to lose weight," Mustabašić confirms.
Good source of calcium
If you want to lose weight, it's important to build muscle (these workouts can help you do that!). And if you want to build muscle, keeping your bones strong and healthy is crucial. That's where the calcium offered by Greek yogurt really comes in handy.
"Women over 40 are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis and losing muscle mass," Mustabašić notes. "Greek yogurt is a good source of calcium, which is important for strong bones, and high in protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle."
Probiotic-rich
Your gut health plays a role in practically every area of your overall health. As it turns out, maintaining a healthy digestive system is also a major key for weight loss, which is why adding probiotic-rich foods like Greek yogurt to your diet can bring you one step closer to your weight loss goals.
"Greek yogurt also contains probiotics, which can help improve gut health and reduce the risk of digestive issues that become more common with age," Mustabašić explains. Nice!
The bottom line
Greek yogurt can be a great addition to your diet for a number of reasons, including its high protein and calcium content. While eating this yogurt alone may not be a magic solution for weight loss, it can be a valuable tool in a well-rounded and balanced diet for women over 40 looking to manage their weight and improve their overall health.
