PressMediaWire.com (Press Release Distribution) – Jul 28,2011 –

Most women know that a healthy diet is vital during pregnancy. But Voskos Greek Yogurt would like to remind women that proper nutrition is just as important for new moms who are breastfeeding. In commemoration  of World Breastfeeding Week — a seven-day salute to breastfeeding that is observed in 170 countries from August 1 to August 7, 2011 — Voskos Greek Yogurt suggests adding Greek yogurt to your diet if you are breastfeeding.

According to WomensHealth.gov, babies who are breast-fed have fewer ear infections, respiratory infections, skin rashes, and less diarrhea than formula-fed infants. Breastfeeding also lowers a baby’s risk for developing asthma, obesity, diabetes and childhood leukemia.

“Breastfeeding moms need extra amounts of several nutrients that are found in Greek yogurt,” says Registered Dietitian Melissa Hooper, founder of Bite-Size Nutrition. Hooper is a contributor to Voskos Greek Yogurt’s “What’s Fresh” blog.

“According to the American Academy of Pediatrics,” says Hooper, “nursing mothers should consume five servings of calcium-rich foods per day, totaling between 1,000 and 1,300 milligrams of calcium. It’s important to include this amount of calcium in the diet because otherwise, the body may ‘steal’ calcium from the mother’s bones in order to make milk for the baby.” One 8-ounce serving of Voskos Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt contains 200 milligrams of calcium, which is 20% of the recommended allowance for breastfeeding mothers.

Hooper adds, “Breastfeeding moms also need to consume a diet that includes about 75 grams of protein per day, and you can accomplish that with just three 8-ounce servings of Voskos Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt. The beauty of plain Greek yogurt is that it’s thicker and creamier than regular yogurt,” says Hooper, “so you can easily substitute it for sour cream in recipes. This gives you the flexibility to incorporate Greek yogurt into any meal—not just breakfast.”

Voskos Greek Yogurt has been recognized in food contests presented by Self, Fitness, Shape, 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, and 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. Now available at Publix stores. Retails for $1.59 for 5.3 oz varieties. For store locations, healthy Greek yogurt recipes and to download a coupon, visit voskos.com today.

About World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week 2011 takes place August 1 through 7^th, and is recognized in over 170 countries worldwide. The event is promoted by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), a global network of individuals and organizations concerned with the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding worldwide.

About Registered Dietitian Melissa Hooper

A health commentator and radio host, Melissa Hooper is the founder of Bite-Size Nutrition. Her “Minute for Your Health” reports can be heard on Clear Channel’s KOST & KHHT “HOT92.3” in Los Angeles. She also hosts a weekly TV spot, “The Easy Living Segment.” Melissa is also a contributing author for The Competitive Edge.

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