No matter if you are training for a 5K, marathon or anything in between, it is important to fuel your body properly for optimal performance. You may have heard of runners gaining weight while marathon training (or maybe you have had it happen to you). Did it make you wonder how that happened when you are running so many miles every week? Well, a lot of runners gain weight during training cycles because of poor diets. I will be honest, I have fallen guilty to the mindset of "I just ran 18 miles, let me go crush a slice of pizza, some cookies, and some more junk food." "Runger" is real my friends. It is hard to remember that while you treat yourself from time to time, your body still needs a balanced diet and nutrients to help your body repair after those workouts and runs.
When I heard about YQ by Yoplait, I instantly noticed the levels of protein and low amounts of sugar in them. Could this be a perfect post-run snack?
- YQ has a different nutritional profile – It delivers double digit grams of protein (17 grams Plain and 15 grams for flavored varieties) and single digit grams of sugar without the tart tangy or chalky aftertaste of Greek-style yogurts.
- YQ is 99% lactose free. YQ starts with ultra-filtered milk, which is milk that has been filtered through a small sieve to concentrate the amount of protein while removing much of the milk’s sugar, or lactose. That’s how YQ Plain has 1g of sugar.
- What about other flavors? By adding fruit, pure cane sugar and natural flavors for a hint of sweetness, that results in only 9 grams of sugar in each cup— 40% less sugar than the leading Greek yogurt*. (** YQ contains 9g sugar per 5.3oz serving; The leading yogurt brand contains 15g sugar per 5.3oz serving)
- YQ is also gluten-free and contains no artificial preservatives, no artificial flavors and no colors from artificial sources.
(Source: YQ by Yoplait)
Since it is still ridiculously hot in the South despite the calendar saying "October", I decided that having a nice frozen snack packed full of protein to enjoy after my long run would be perfect to cool off and get some much needed protein. I knew instantly that the YQ by Yoplait Strawberry-Mango Lime Pops needed to be in my freezer.
(by YQ by Yoplait)
15 Minutes Prep; 6 Hours 15 Minutes Total
4 Servings
80 Calories per Serving
Ingredient List
Preparation
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1 Pop: Calories 80 (Calories from Fat 10); Total Fat 1.5g (Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 35mg; Potassium 35mg; Total Carbohydrate 10g (Dietary Fiber 0g); Protein 7g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 20%; Calcium 6%; Iron 0%
Exchanges: 1 Skim Milk
Carbohydrate Choices: 1/2
Speaking of flavor, the flavor of the YQ by Yoplait yogurts were light. It isn't an overbearing or "fake" tasting flavor by any means. Sometimes lighter is better and that is exactly why you get with YQ by Yoplait. You can still taste the flavors, but it isn't that offensively strong taste like some yogurts.
These tasty frozen pops were so quick and easy to make. Needless to say, Strawberry Mango Lime Pops will be a staple in the freezer as I amp up my miles (and basically anytime). Talk about a basically guilt-free treat! This is way better for me and my goal's than opting for a big bowl of icecream.
Be sure to check out the YQ by Yoplait website and social media channels to learn more about their products, find them in a store near you, and get recipe ideas.