Probiotics are becoming the hippest food enhancer since fiber. And for me this isn't a bad thing--if it helps keep my digestive system on track. So I was flattered when the thoughtful folks at Yoplait asked me if I'd like to try their new yogurt, Yo-Plus. The company must have read my mind (or my digestive system) as I've been struggling to keep things moving and grooving for some time. Like a lot of you, I'm trying to manage IBS symptoms including gas and bloating and the inability to stay regular, which have caused me great discomfort over the years.
So you can imagine my excitement when the Yoplait representative generously sent me a ten-day supply of Yo-Plus after I volunteered to take this 10-day challenge.
I'll admit I was a bit skeptical, as I really wondered if a yogurt, specifically formulated to help my digestive system could really do the job.
But when I saw the cups of strawberry and vanilla yogurt (two of my favorite yogurt flavors of all time), I put my objective journalism cap on and began the challenge two weeks ago.
So does it taste good?
Let me just say that I've always been a fan of Yoplait yogurt, as I find this brand to be among the creamiest, even the low-fat versions. Yes, I had expectations for the company's latest yogurt. And boy was my mouth rockin' after one spoonful of Yo-Plus. Yea, baby--the creamy, texture of Yo-Plus did not disappoint this Yoplait groupie. I dived into the strawberry version first and it was delicious--full of fabulous fruity fun.
You would never know this yogurt was packed with probiotics, prebiotics, including three grams of fiber. A yogurt full of fiber? This is a Gastro Girl's digestive dream come true.
And after I tasted the heavenly vanilla version the following day, I knew my 10-day Yo-Plus challenge would be delicious. And if it really helped make my gut happy, well that would be a bonus. By the way, Yo-Plus also comes in cherry and peach.
What's in Yo-Plus that makes it's so special?
The unique Yo-plus blend of probiotics and prebiotics, including three grams of fiber is called Optibalance.
Now probiotics are the good, friendly bacteria that your body needs to stay healthy and prebiotics are the fiber that helps sustain the growth of the friendly bacteria in your digestive tract. We need these two to keep the bad bugs out of our system.
Have more questions? Check out the FAQs on the Yo-Plus site.
Bottom line: Did Yo-Plus help my digestive system?
I will admit that for 10 days, I looked forward to starting my day with the 4 oz. cup of Yo-Plus. Some days, I even had another Yo-Plus in the afternoon. I did notice a difference about day three--I felt a little less bloated, and my gut felt calmer. Now, I didn't conduct a controlled trial or make any significant diet changes. So of course my assessment of whether or not Yo-Plus actually helped my digestive system is totally subjective. Placebo effect? Who knows.
But it's been past the 10-day challenge now, and I'm still getting my daily Yo-Plus on. I liked Yo-Plus so much I went out and bought more--including the Peach flavor, which was every bit as good as the other flavors I'd tried.
For me the serving size was perfect. Additonally, each serving has only 110 calories, and 1.5 grams of fat. Another big plus for me, was that Yo-Plus contains no artificial sweetners--which for some people aggravate their digestive system. Yes, Yo-Plus contains sugar--but with proper exercise and a balanced diet I'm not worried about the sugar!
I agree with Yoplait, that Yo-Plus can help my body to regulate its digestive health naturally. But, as Yoplait states on it's website, "Yo-Plus is not a treatment or cure for any medical disorder or disease. If you're experiencing any difficulty or discomfort with your digestive system, you should contact a healthcare professional immediately."
Yo-Plus gets Gastro Girl's Good for Your Gut approval!
Note: Gastro Girl and Revolution Health were not paid to endorse this product. All opinions expressed here are based on Gastro Girl's independent taste-test and do not represent Revolution Health.
