Fat-free cottage cheese is a versatile cheese that is easily identified by its mild taste and soft texture. Cottage cheese was created as a way for small cottages to be able to use leftover milk for something that could be consumed. It is a healthy and nutritious food that fits into nearly any type of diet. Eating cottage cheese provides you with a number of benefits.
Protein
Cottage cheese is loaded with protein, making it the preferred snack of bodybuilders and those who are conscious of their health. Just one serving of fat-free cottage cheese provides you with as much as 15 g of high quality protein. Much of the protein found in cottage cheese comes in the form of casein, a type of protein that digests slowly and keeps you feeling full longer. While the protein content in cottage cheese is not nearly as high as poultry and meats, it is one of the highest non-meat sources available.
Calories
Any type of cottage cheese that you eat is going to be low in calories. Cottage cheese that contains approximately 4 percent milk fat only has about 120 calories in a serving. Since you are eating a fat-free variety, you will only be consuming around 80 calories per serving. It is important to note that starches are often added to fat-free cottage cheese to compensate for the lack of fat content.
Filling
Cottage cheese is a filling food that can find a place in nearly any type of diet. A serving for breakfast or a snack can often get you through to your next meal. If you are not a fan of plain cottage cheese, there are a number of things you can do with it. You can create a healthy dip for raw vegetables by mixing cottage cheese with your favorite herbs and spices. Mix in other healthy ingredients to create a savory snack that is good for you. Some good options include almonds, cinnamon, walnuts, honey, chopped pineapple, blueberries, peaches or strawberries.
Healthy Substitute
Because cottage cheese is so versatile, it is often used as a substitute ingredient in many recipes that call for cheeses that are high in calories and fat. Since cottage cheese has a similar consistency of ricotta, it can be used in a healthy lasagna using whole grain lasagna noodles. It can also be used in place of sour cream as a topping for baked potatoes.
References
- Livestrong Daily Plate: Fat Free Cottage Cheese
- California Milk Advisory Board: Cottage Cheese
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
Member Comments