Just Have Some Yogurt

Walk through any grocery store and you will find shelves full of new protein products. There are protein-flavored Doritos, protein ranch dressing, and protein lattes from popular coffee chains. Companies are working hard to make it seem like you need special, high-tech foods to get enough protein in your diet. But nutrition experts say regular food can do the job just as well — or even better.

Greek yogurt is a great example. Calorie for calorie, Greek yogurt has more protein than many trendy products, like Chipotle's High Protein Low Calorie Bowl or a Dunkin' Nutty Pumpkin Iced Protein Latte. Even full-fat Greek yogurt, which is rich and creamy, gives you a strong amount of protein. Nonfat Greek yogurt has about as much protein as some popular protein bars, but it only contains two ingredients: milk and culture.

Yogurt is also good for your body in many other ways. It helps keep your bones strong, supports your digestive system, and can even boost your immune system. Most yogurts also contain probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that help your gut work well. You can eat yogurt plain, mix it into sauces, use it in baking, or stir it into soups and marinades.

So why isn't yogurt the star of the protein craze? One big reason is that yogurt isn't flashy or exciting. It doesn't have a fancy brand name or cool packaging. Many of today's popular protein products are made by food scientists and marketed by social media influencers, who are paid to make these products look appealing.

That's because protein has become more than just a health topic — it's a big business. Companies make money selling protein bars, protein drinks, fitness trackers, and diet plans. Many of these products are designed to keep you buying them over and over again. Wellness influencers are often paid to promote these items, which makes it hard to know what advice is really helpful and what is just an ad.

Being healthy is a great goal, and getting enough protein is part of that. But some people can become so focused on tracking every gram of protein that it stops being fun or relaxing. Eating well doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. So the next time you want a protein boost, you might want to skip the fancy latte or the protein chips and just reach for a cup of yogurt — it's simple, it works, and it has been trusted for thousands of years.