I think my son is having too much yogurt. He drinks two large yogurt drinks a day, and I’m worried that it might not be good for him. What do you think? How much yogurt is too much?
Yogurt drinks are A-OK as snacks as long as they’re full of tummy-friendly probiotics!
As long as the yogurt drinks aren’t replacing food, it’s ok to have two a day as snacks. I would be concerned if he’s avoiding meals in favor of yogurt drinks, but if it’s in addition to meals, then it isn’t a problem.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all yogurts are created equally! For example, I wouldn’t recommend eating two Gogurts per day (or any, for that matter!) because they are filled with added sugar, artificial colors and flavors and do not contain live and active cultures (good bugs) for digestive health. Milk is a sugar (lactose), so milk-based products already contain sugar without adding more. Most yogurts (except for plain) will have some added sugar, but make sure to check the label and go with the option with the fewest grams of sugar. Stonyfield and Greek Yogurt Brands Chobani and Cabot are brands I trust for using good ingredients and limiting the added sugar. For kids, I just tried Lifeway’s Pro-Bug products and they are delicious, clean and loaded with good bugs.
While yogurt provides good nutrition, it’s the probiotics (live and active cultures) that make yogurt a distinctive product that helps maintain digestive health. Probiotics can also boost the immune system, depending on the strain of good bacteria.
– Stacey Antine, MS RD, author, Appetite for Life, founder, HealthBarn USA, co-host, Family Food Expert Internet Radio Show, and recognized as top 10 dietitians nationally by Today’s Dietitian magazine for her work with HealthBarn USA
What puzzles you about keeping your family healthy? Tell us what’s on your mind by emailing [email protected]. Stacey will answer those questions here weekly.
