Best Yogurt Combinations For Stronger Muscles, Says Dietitian — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious way to build stronger muscles, then look no further than yogurt! Dietitians have long recommended yogurt as a great source of protein and other essential nutrients that can help build muscle mass. But what are the best yogurt combinations for stronger muscles? Eat This Not That has put together a list of the best yogurt combinations that will help you get the most out of your workout and build stronger muscles. From Greek yogurt with fresh fruit to yogurt with nuts and seeds, these combinations are sure to give you the protein and energy you need to power through your workout. Read on to learn more about the best yogurt combinations for stronger muscles.

Best Yogurt Combinations For Stronger Muscles, Says Dietitian — Eat This Not That

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious way to build muscle, look no further than yogurt. According to dietitian and nutritionist, Dr. Sarah Krieger, yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium, both of which are essential for building strong muscles. But what are the best yogurt combinations for stronger muscles? Dr. Krieger has some suggestions.

1. Greek Yogurt with Berries and Nuts

Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium, and when combined with berries and nuts, it makes for a delicious and nutritious snack. Berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, while nuts provide healthy fats and protein. This combination is a great way to get the protein and calcium you need for muscle growth.

2. Plain Yogurt with Granola and Fruit

Plain yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium, and when combined with granola and fruit, it makes for a delicious and nutritious snack. Granola is packed with fiber and healthy fats, while fruit provides vitamins and antioxidants. This combination is a great way to get the protein and calcium you need for muscle growth.

3. Coconut Yogurt with Seeds and Nuts

Coconut yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium, and when combined with seeds and nuts, it makes for a delicious and nutritious snack. Seeds are packed with healthy fats and protein, while nuts provide fiber and healthy fats. This combination is a great way to get the protein and calcium you need for muscle growth.

4. Flavored Yogurt with Granola and Fruit

Flavored yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium, and when combined with granola and fruit, it makes for a delicious and nutritious snack. Granola is packed with fiber and healthy fats, while fruit provides vitamins and antioxidants. This combination is a great way to get the protein and calcium you need for muscle growth.

5. Kefir Yogurt with Seeds and Nuts

Kefir yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium, and when combined with seeds and nuts, it makes for a delicious and nutritious snack. Seeds are packed with healthy fats and protein, while nuts provide fiber and healthy fats. This combination is a great way to get the protein and calcium you need for muscle growth.

So there you have it — five of the best yogurt combinations for stronger muscles, according to dietitian and nutritionist, Dr. Sarah Krieger. Whether you choose Greek yogurt with berries and nuts, plain yogurt with granola and fruit, coconut yogurt with seeds and nuts, flavored yogurt with granola and fruit, or kefir yogurt with seeds and nuts, you’ll be sure to get the protein and calcium you need for muscle growth.

Yogurt is one of the simplest protein-packed snacks or breakfasts. That’s especially the case when you top yogurt with healthy ingredients that provide a boost in satiety power, beneficial micronutrients, and fuel for your muscles.

Even if you’re not looking to bulk up in the gym, it’s still important to eat a diet that’s rich in nutrients that support muscle development, especially as you get older. “We lose 3-8% of our muscle mass each decade after age 30, so it’s very important to support our muscle mass through both our diets and physical activity,” explains registered dietitian Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, author of The Everything Easy Pre-Diabetes Cookbook.

Protein is essential for maintaining muscular strength, which is why Greek yogurt is a popular option; Greek yogurt is rich in protein, offering 16 grams in an average 5.3-ounce serving, which will get you close to the recommended protein intake to build and support muscle maintenance.

“Consume 25-35 grams of protein with each meal, plus extra by snacking in the day for optimal muscle maintenance and refueling after exercise,” Harris-Pincus suggests.

But if you really want what’s best for your muscles, eating protein alone isn’t enough. Your body needs additional nutrients besides protein to replenish and satisfy muscles, as well as repair damaged muscle fibers and tissue—which happens with exercise, especially strenuous forms, like HIIT and weight-bearing workouts.

“We need heart-healthy fats, like the kind found in avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, and enough calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, iron, and potassium,” Harris-Pincus says, which is why yogurt combinations boost yogurt’s nutritional value and potency to prevent loss in bone and muscle mass with age.

Here are 6 dietitian-approved yogurt combinations that will benefit the body and protect and strengthen bones and muscles. Read on, and for more on how to eat healthy, don’t miss Eating Habits to Lose Abdominal Fat As You Age, Say Dietitians.

yogurt with berries and almonds
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“The combo of yogurt, nuts, and berries is a fabulous way to enjoy a satisfying and creamy, crunchy snack. This yogurt combination contains dairy and plant protein, fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, along with calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium,” says Harris-Pincus.

Berries are the lowest sugar fruits, and antioxidant-rich fruit can help decrease inflammation in the body to speed muscle recovery and promote a healthier body with stronger bones and muscles.

yogurt with quinoa, cashews, and raspberries
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“Muscle building protein is also found in plant foods, and quinoa has the most plant-based protein of any grain (though it’s actually a seed),” says Harris-Pincus. Quinoa is a high-fiber complex carbohydrate that gives muscles energy in the form of glycogen for greater endurance and stamina.

Together, these two ingredients will keep your muscles happy, but you can include a piece of fruit, either fresh or frozen.

greek yogurt with radishes, chickpeas, and pumpkin seeds
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Savory yogurt combinations don’t get enough love, but this nutrient-dense yogurt bowl idea has healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium, so it hits all the marks.

“Drizzle olive oil on top with sprinkled salt and pepper for seasoning,” suggests Harris-Pincus, which builds a perfect yogurt bowl that has moisture, extra fats, and some spice and heat for enhanced flavor.

yogurt with pistachios and pomegranate seeds
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This trio is a great yogurt combination that not only provides protein, fiber, and antioxidants, but it also gives your yogurt a bright, bold pop of color. “You’ll get a boost of iron, magnesium, healthy fats, and plant protein, and the crunch is so satisfying,” says Harris-Pincus.

“Antioxidants also speed muscle recovery and help repair damaged muscles,” she adds, which are abundant in pomegranates, so sprinkle in pomegranate seeds or add a splash of pomegranate juice to yogurt.

Pour chia seeds on yogurt
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Chia seeds contain a good amount of fiber and healthy fat to keep you fuller longer and repair and strengthen muscles, so this 2-ingredient yogurt combination is perfect for post-workout.

“Chia seeds have heart-healthy omega-3 fats to lower inflammation and improve muscle recovery, and both potassium and magnesium to support muscle building,” says Harris-Pincus. Add a serving of fruit, like blueberries, dark chocolate, or cacao nibs (darker the better for antioxidant power) or some seasoning, like ginger, if you find it bland and need more flavor.

peanut butter banana smoothie
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Peanut butter and banana is a classic go-to for a sandwich, but it tastes just as delicious when mixed into yogurt for a high-protein, high-fiber snack or meal that’s also rich in healthy unsaturated fats to support muscle health and recovery.

“Peanut butter and bananas also provide electrolytes with potassium and magnesium to support muscle recovery and replenish energy and nutrients to fuel muscles after exercise,” Harris-Pincus says.

A grocery store tip? Check the ingredient list when buying peanut butter—it should contain only peanuts and maybe salt, without other oils and additives, which aren’t good for you. Or check out these The 20 Healthiest Peanut Butters—Ranked!