Disordered eating... Or not?

Challenging situational eating vs eating with rules and rigidity.

There's some new kids on the block, and FIT is their middle name. Chobani yoghurt has released a new yoghurt range called Chobani FIT. Since I began working as a dietitian within the eating disorder community, plain Chobani greek yoghurt is usually what I see my clients choosing. Now that I think of it, it's the ONLY type of yoghurt my clients chose from the start. I identify it by the 'light blue one' description they gave me when discussing their daily diet. Some choose it because it's the 'healthiest' and some because it's the only type they think they are allowed to eat defined by our diet culture and the rules they have placed on themselves.

Now that Chobani is upping its game with a new type- actually labeling it "FIT", I have no doubt next year I will be hearing the phrase 'I've been having the kind that says FIT on it' instead. This particular yoghurt is labeled FIT because it is slightly higher in protein (15.5g) and has no added sugar- a selling point because for the first time you don't have to buy plain yoghurt to get the protein boost with no extra carbs. For those familiar with the YoPro brand- this is the Chobani version.

Now I have to admit, they are delicious. I LOVE yoghurt and certainly do not discriminate. In fact, I am eating one of the original Chobani yoghurts as I type (the lemon flavoured one with less than 2% fat to be precise). I had never tried this flavour before so I thought I would give it a crack while writing this blog today. What can I say, welcome to a dietitian's life!

If we take a closer look at these 2 kinds, the plain low-fat, greek yoghurt actually has more protein at 16.5g than any of the FIT pots at 15.5g and has pretty much the same amount of total carbohydrates. The real selling point Chobani offers is now you can give your taste buds something to dance about with flavoured yoghurt.

Chobani Yoghurt Brings out new selection of yoghurts, increasing protein amount from ~13.5g to ~15.5g compared to original pot flavours and decreasing added sugar from ~15g to ~5g- equaling about a 10g difference in total carbs.

So let's talk about why this topic is worth a whole blog. The fact that there's a yoghurt with 15g of protein and no added sugar is great. It's also great that there are other yoghurts that have added sugar, are higher in fat, have mixed pureed fruit, and some that have no fruit. Choosing a yoghurt that has higher protein and no added sugar is not a bad thing. It becomes a problem when this choice becomes the ONLY choice or is based on rules or the mindset that the other yoghurts are 'bad' for you. The point I want to make is that the situation in which you choose a particular yoghurt is key. There are no good or bad kinds of yoghurt. There is only variety, and maintaining variety in your food choices (across all food groups) is very important in living a healthy and balanced life.

If you are an athlete, a gym junkie or someone who exercises regularly, this Chobani FIT yoghurt would be a great choice. Since dairy is optimal for muscle maintenance and growth, a higher protein yoghurt is a great option. Depending on your level of intensity and duration, you may need to think about adding in some additional carbs, as 7.7g of carbs isn't going to do the job in aiding muscle recovery. Even if you aren't an athlete or do minimal exercise, Chobani FIT is still a great choice. It will provide a solid protein rich snack for mid meals, or complement to main meals, especially if you are a vegetarian and struggle getting enough protein in your diet. On the other hand, the non FIT yoghurt pots are also a great snack, particularly if you're on the go and don't have a muesli bar or some fruit (for energy) to pair it with.

I can sit here and break down the different kinds of flavours and types apart based on their nutritional value, but at the end of the day will 1-2 grams of protein make much difference if you are eating adequately? If you are an active person, would you be better off having the normal flavoured yoghurt to better meet your carbohydrate demands? Branding is incredibly influential, and just because something says FIT on it, doesn't mean it's always going to be the best choice for you to stay fit. Above all, if you genuinely dislike a particular yoghurt flavour, don't buy it!

If you find yourself questioning your motives, or are ready to change your thinking, it is ALWAYS worth playing it safe and double checking with a dietitian. There ARE dietitians who specialise in eating disorders and disordered eating who will help guide you to increasing your flexibility in food choices allowing you to eat socially, spontaneously and enjoyably all in a non-judgmental manner.