I know yogurt is incredibly healthy but after three pregnancies the smell and texture makes my stomach turn. However, I’ve re-opened my mind and my mouth to use plain yogurt as a substitute for sour cream in almost any recipe.

Low-fat and fat-free plain yogurts are a better source of calcium, protein, and other nutrients than other dairy products. Check the label and seek out products that are fortified with vitamin D. Dairy also contains the much-talked-about probiotics, which help to balance the naturally occurring bacteria in your gut. Yogurt also tends to be easier to digest than other dairy products, so it’s a great option for lactose-intolerant folks.

Here are three ways I’m trying to include yogurt in my family’s diet (without them even noticing).

1.       Substitute it in place of sour cream. Top a baked potato with it. Toss it into a sauce recipe in place of its higher-fat cousin sour cream or use it as a garnish on tacos.

2.       Whip up some dips and serve with veggies. If you ever feel guilty about diving into Ranch dressing with a carrot, then consider using plain yogurt as the base for a homemade ranch dressing.

3.       Hide it in a smoothie. I’m a huge smoothie fan because I’ve found that my juice creations (Click HERE for the recipe) make a great way to sneak in all kinds of fruits and vegetables into everyone’s diet. Add a little plain yogurt to your mix of your favorite fruits for a protein punch that will fill up all of their bellies.