Those on a weight loss journey might find it challenging to resist sweet cravings, but not all sugary snacks are enemies of your diet.
NHS GP Dr Ahmed, who uses the TikTok handle @Dra_says, has praised one snack as “the greatest” in a recent video. He suggested that it could be ideal for those with a sweet tooth trying to lose weight.
He shared his discovery of quark – often mistaken for yoghurt yet technically a fresh cheese – after it was mentioned by a patient during a check-up.
Intrigued, Dr Ahmed checked out the product at a supermarket and was surprised by its nutritional profile, saying: “I saw the macros and I was amazed. It’s got 80 calories in it, 15g of protein and 4g of sugar.”
Enjoying both its flavour and fulfilling nature, Dr Ahmed added: “It’s very thick and creamy, makes me very full and tastes delicious. It almost tastes like a dessert.”
Quark is celebrated for staving off hunger, largely because of its high protein content that lowers levels of ghrelin, a hunger-signalling hormone, while boosting leptin, which signals satiety to the brain, reports Gloucestershire Live.
This low-calorie food is also rich calcium for strong teeth and bones.
Some people have noticed a significant improvement in their digestion after swapping yoghurts for quark, due to the high levels of live bacteria that reach the gut. Aldi sells plain quark for just 65p, although larger brands may charge more when flavours are added.
This versatile treat can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Some TikTok users have shared their recipes using quark as a substitute in pancake and pizza base recipes.
Others show that it can be enjoyed on its own. To turn this into a delicious ‘dessert’, simply pair it with your favourite fruits like strawberries, bananas and blueberries.
Some add different flavourings to the yoghurt to change the final taste. Popular additions include chocolate or fruit-flavoured drops.
While quark can help you feel fuller for longer, potentially aiding in weight loss, it’s not a miracle solution. Exercise and a healthy diet are key to maintaining a healthy weight.
Always consult your doctor before making any major diet and lifestyle changes.