PressMediaWire.com (Press Release Distribution) – Apr 30,2011 –

There’s a kid in all of us and it’s no secret that both adults and children love pudding cups. They’re convenient, a common snack, and a perfect addition to packed lunches for millions of kids. It’s also no secret that rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes are skyrocketing among American children, prompting many parents to seek healthier alternatives to sugary snacks such as pudding cups.

“Incidence rates of Type 2 diabetes among young people have increased significantly over the past 5 years¹,” says Lara Field, a Chicago-based pediatric dietitian, and a contributor to Voskos Greek Yogurt’s “What’s Fresh” blog. “In fact, according to research published last year at John’s Hopkins University School of Medicine, Type 2 diabetes now accounts for about 45% of new cases of diabetes in the pediatric population,” says Field.

“Adding Voskos Greek Yogurt to recipes can help adults and children alike sneak extra protein and calcium into their kids’ diets, while sneaking out some excess sugar,” says Field. “And unlike many pudding cups and yogurt found in the dairy section, Voskos Greek Yogurt contains no artificial colorings, binders, fillers, hydrogenated oils or thickeners,” adds Field.

“Another bonus with Voskos Greek Yogurt is its higher protein content, which helps you feel full, longer,” says Field. “Protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, and protein doesn’t cause insulin spikes like sugary snacks.”

Voskos Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt contains 24 grams of protein, and just 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.  “It’s much higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than the typical pudding cups. And this recipe for Cherry Chocolate ‘Pudding’ Cups makes it just as delicious for lunch,” says Field.

Voskos Greek Yogurt Cherry Chocolate “Pudding Cups”

Makes 4 – 3/4 Cup Servings

Ingredients

3 cups Voskos^® Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt

28 fresh or frozen dark cherries

4 tbs Torani^® sugar-free Dark Cherry syrup

4 tbs Torani sugar-free Chocolate syrup

4 tsp sugar-free, fat-free vanilla pudding mix

Directions

1. Defrost and chop cherries to a small dice.

2. Combine all ingredients in a non-reactive mixing bowl and blend until well-mixed.

3. Spoon into four small resealable plastic food storage containers.

4. Refrigerate Voskos Greek Yogurt Cherry Chocolate “Pudding” Cups after mixing.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 150, Total Fat 0g, Cholesterol 11.25mg, Sodium 245.4mg, Total Carbohydrate 17.63g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 11.99g. Protein 18.67g

Creating a creamy pudding style dessert with Voskos Greek Yogurt instead of milk is easy because “Greek Yogurt is naturally thick and creamy, with a texture very similar to pudding,” says Field. “What’s more, a recent study showed that a high-protein breakfast, such as yogurt helps reduce post-breakfast blood sugar elevation in the Type 2 diabetics studied by up to 40%. Thus, if your child has diabetes, it is an excellent choice to maintain blood sugar control.”

Voskos Greek Yogurt has been recognized in awards contests presented by Fitness magazine, Women’s Health, Vegetarian Times, Natural Solutions, and Cooking Light magazine. It is also a triple gold winner of the 2010 Los Angeles International Dairy Competition.

About Voskos Greek Yogurt

Award-winning for its thick, rich taste and nutritional value, Voskos Greek Yogurt is all-natural, hormone-free, gluten-free, and Kosher certified. Through Voskos’ proprietary ProStrain™ method, Voskos yields two times more protein, more probiotics, less lactose, and a thicker, creamier consistency. Voskos is the only brand to offer an organic Greek yogurt line in addition to its all-natural plain and blended flavors and never has “fruit on the bottom.” Available nationwide, retailing between $1.49 – $2.99 in stores such as Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Bi-Lo, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and more. For store locations, and to download a Voskos Greek Yogurt coupon, visit Voskos.com or Voskos Greek Yogurt on Facebook today.

About Lara Field, MS, RD, CSP, LDN

A Voskos enthusiast, registered dietitian Lara Field has always had a passion for kids’ nutrition.  With clinical practice at two of the top ranked pediatric hospitals in the country, Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago and University of Chicago Medical Center, she has specialized in pediatric nutritional care, including managing diabetes, picky eating and other digestive diseases including celiac disease. For more information about Lara’s services, call 847-651-4729 or visit www.feedkids.com.

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Torani is a registered trademark of R.Torre & Company.

REFERENCES:

1) Jin YY, Liang L, Fu JF, Wang XM. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes in children. Zhonqquo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi (article in Chinese). 2011;13(2):138-40.

2) Mohamadi A, Cooke DW. Type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents. Adolesc Med State Art Rev. 2010;1:103-19.