We often get asked what’s the better choice when it comes to dairy. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Think Minimally Processed
Choose dairy products without added sugars, sweeteners, or unnecessary chemicals – especially if they’re part of your daily routine.
Natural low-fat options like plain Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, skimmed milk, and low-fat cheese can be lower in calories but higher in protein. These can support weight loss goals without sacrificing portion size or taste (e.g., adding lower-fat cheese to a salad).
Low-fat dairy still provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein to support healthy bones.
Eating low-fat dairy doesn’t mean following a low-fat diet. Healthy fats are important, but remember that overall energy intake matters more. Being overweight poses greater health risks than choosing low-fat options.
Some people find full-fat dairy more satisfying, which can help manage hunger. If that’s you, go for it – just keep an eye on your overall energy intake.
The reason we might add fats like nuts to low fat/fat free yoghurt (in case you’re thinking why add fat to fat free) is that some people have a real need for crunch in their meals and chewing promotes satiation.
How to Decide:
- Check the energy value of your meal – tools like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer can help. It’s easy to overdo it with tasty toppers like nuts, seeds, or granola!
- Pay attention to how your body responds. If your choice leaves you feeling energised and aligns with your health/weight loss goals, you’re on the right track.
