I didn’t grow up eating much dairy as a child in the Philippines. Our milk came from powder, and yogurt simply wasn’t part of our daily table. It wasn’t until I visited the Golden Door spa near San Diego that I truly discovered yogurt—and everything changed.

They served the most beautiful breakfast: creamy plain Greek yogurt topped with nuts, raisins, and vibrant fresh organic berries. Sometimes they added warm quinoa or chia seeds for extra nourishment. It was simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.

Since then, yogurt has become one of my favorite ways to start the day. Not only is it versatile and easy to enjoy, but it also offers so many health benefits:

Why Yogurt Is So Good for You

• Supports a healthy gut – Yogurt with live active cultures can help improve digestion and support conditions like lactose intolerance, constipation, and overall gut balance.
• Rich in probiotics – These beneficial bacteria help strengthen your immune system and restore balance—especially important after taking antibiotics.
• High in calcium and protein – Essential for strong bones, muscle repair, and healthy aging.
• Heart health support – Some studies suggest yogurt may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
• Naturally satisfying – Its protein and fat content help you feel full longer, reducing cravings for less nutritious snacks.

That said, not all yogurts are created equal. Today’s grocery shelves are filled with options—but many are loaded with sugar, artificial flavors, and unnecessary additives that cancel out the health benefits.

What to Look for in a Healthy Yogurt

• Low in added sugar (ideally under 5–8 grams)
• Made with simple, recognizable ingredients
• Contains live and active cultures
• Organic and grass-fed when possible
• Full-fat or whole milk varieties for better satiety and nutrient absorption

Top 5 Healthiest Yogurt Choices Right Now

1. Plain Greek Yogurt (Your Everyday Staple)

2. Icelandic Skyr (High Protein, Low Sugar)

Alexandre Family Farm – Store locator

3. Grass-Fed Organic Yogurt (Nutrient-Dense Choice)

Forager Project – Store locator

4. Plant-Based Yogurt with Live Cultures (Dairy-Free Option)

For those avoiding dairy, look for unsweetened almond, coconut, or cashew-based yogurts with live cultures. Choose versions with minimal ingredients and no added sugars.

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Where to buy Yaza

5. Labneh & Savory Yogurt (A Beautiful, Timeless Tradition)

One of my favorite ways to enjoy yogurt now is not sweet at all—but savory. Inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions, labneh is a strained yogurt that’s thick, creamy, and slightly tangy—almost like a cross between yogurt and soft cheese.

It’s naturally rich in protein and probiotics, and completely free of added sugar.

I love serving it with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of sea salt. You can also add cucumber, garlic, or toasted nuts for a simple, nourishing dish that feels both elegant and satisfying.

It’s a wonderful reminder that yogurt doesn’t always have to be sweet—sometimes the most delicious and healthy options are the simplest ones.

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Try this recipe from my just published book, The Age Beautifully Cookbook: You’ll see how I was won over by this delicious breakfast. It’s my own version of the one I enjoyed so much at the Golden Door.

This breakfast (or power-packed snack) has lots of protein from low-fat Greek yogurt, and vitamins from the fruits and seeds. You can add spices–such as nutmeg, cardamom or allspice–and nuts. Instead of the exotic fruits such as fresh jackfruit, jujubes and rambutans  (available at Asian markets and some specialty stores or at www.melissas.com) that the recipe calls for, you can always use blackberries, strawberries and bananas.

Exotic Fruit Salad with Yogurt and Granola

Serves 4-6

Here’s a protein-packed, vitamin-filled way to grab a healthy snack or start your morning. You can add spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice (about ⅛ tsp. each), and nuts. Instead of exotic fruits you can use grapes, blackberries, strawberries, and/or bananas. The Omega-3 fatty acids in the flaxseeds are great for your arteries and heart. Oats and fiber are both known to reduce cholesterol. The exotic fruits in this recipe are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps the body resist infection and aids tissue regeneration. The probiotics in yogurt can help digestion and bolster the immune system. Cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels.

Ingredients

2 cups oats
⅓ cup maple syrup
½ cup flaxseeds
¼ cup sesame seeds
1 tsp. cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1 egg white (organic, free-range, or Omega-3-enriched)
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
2 Tbs. maple syrup
½ cup sliced fresh figs
½ cup cubed fresh pineapple
½ cup sliced and seeded jujubes
½ cup sliced fresh jackfruit sections
½ cup peeled, sliced kiwis
½ cup peeled, halved, and seeded rambutans
2 cups plain, low-fat Greek yogurt

Procedure

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. Make the granola: Toast the oats on a large, rimmed baking sheet for 6–10 minutes, being careful not to let them burn. Reduce the oven temperature to 275 degrees. Warm the maple syrup in the microwave for 1 minute or until it is thin and runny. Toss with the oats, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Whisk the egg white and fold it into the granola mixture. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the granola to a parchment-lined or nonstick baking sheet. Leave any excess liquid behind. Bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour or until dry and crisp. Cool.
4. While the granola is baking, make the dressing: toss the lemon juice with the maple syrup and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.