Thank you all for your support and enthusiasm from last week! I know you’ve been waiting with great anticipation to know what week 1 of the “Try It” Challenge would bring you and here you go………

First off, greek yogurt is different than usual yogurt in the fact that in greek yogurt, they strain more of the whey (the watery stuff that is on top of yogurt) from the solid. This produces the very creamy texture. It does have a few more calories than normal yogurt, but it’s also packed with protein! (Protein builds and repairs tissues–a main building block for our body!) Also, greek yogurt has a higher level of probiotics than normal yogurt. Probiotics are a healthy bacteria that helps boost immunity and aids in healthy digestion. I also read that it may be easier to digest for those who are lactose intolerant!

In general, yogurt gives a new face to dips, makes fresh fruit sooo good and is EXCELLENT for your body!! I’ll be honest, at first I didn’t like it. I had to try a few brands but I’m finding that I do really like it!

So this week some of you will be trying it for the first time. Let me jog your mind with ways you can eat it!

♦ Add it in with your breakfast.

♦ Make it your afternoon snack.

♦ Replace your current yogurt with Greek yogurt

♦ Replace sour cream with it.

Others of you have been eating it so try a new recipe! (I’m not going to re-invent the wheel. There are so many great recipes out there with Greek Yogurt so have fun exploring!!)

♦ For a dip for veggies or pita bread.

♦ The sweet treat I showed in the Vlog.(LOVE Chobani!!)

♦ A smoothie for breakfast or post-workout.

♦ You wanna make your own Greek yogurt??

Remember that the challenge is to introduce this in your diet at least once a day for 4 out of the 7 days this week!

**One of my readers told me there were some coupons for greek yogurt at www.moneysavingmom.com. Wahoo!!

Before I close, I don’t want to forget the “Try It” challenge for your spiritual life. (Remember, this is a bonus challenge. If you aren’t comfortable with this, then by all means, move along.) This week, I’d like to ask you to pray for your pastors and leaders in your church. Some of you are already doing this and if so, you get an A+! Others of you (such as myself) are more hit and miss on it. The Pastors and leaders of our church need wisdom. They have a rough job–a tiring job. They have families just like us and they are human just like us. Be praying for them this week and while you are at it, let them know about it!

Here is a great reference for you to give you some ideas on how exactly to pray for them! Go halfway down the page and you’ll find the pdf for ” Praying for your Pastor.”

Good luck with your challenge this week! I can’t wait to hear back from you with your thoughts on Greek Yogurt and praying for your Pastors!. Be sure to check back in next Monday for week 2 of our “Try It” Challenge! (If you need to know the challenge item ahead of time due to grocery shopping, budget, or car availability, send me an email and I’ll let you know!)Press on everyone!