1. Eat a Wide Variety
Cheese is a vital source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins and nutrients within a daily diet. Cheese can come in a variety of formats, whether hard, soft, grated, cottage cheese and more. It can also arrive under a wide array of names: Blue cheese, Feta cheese, Cheddar, Colby, Mozzarella, Muenster and many more. Cheese is a plentiful source of healthy fat and can be a wonderful addition to any well-rounded diet. Try sprinkling veiny, grated cheeses such as Feta, Blue, or Gorgonzola atop a healthy salad, for a wonderful meal with anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Watch Calories and Fat
A common pitfall of cheese is that it can be very high in calorie content and fat. For example, only 1 ounce of Gouda cheese carries 101 calories per serving, which may be far more than most people assume. Luckily, low-fat varieties of cheese are available for dietary reasons, such as skim or specialty products. If trying to cut calories in your diet while still benefiting from cheese, try choosing brands that do the portion sizing for you, such as string cheese or a soft wedge. On the flip side, cheese that is created from whole milk can be a wonderful way to gain weight, if needed for healthy living. Try sprinkling cheddar cheese on eggs in the morning, adding slices of provolone to a sandwich, or layering fresh mozzarella over sliced tomato for an evening snack.
3. Be Wary of Allergies
Different cheeses have different nutritional properties and values, and are beneficial additions to a healthy diet. However, a wide percentage of the population has allergies or aversions to cheese, and must avoid the product all together. In the instance of cheese (dairy or casein) allergies, try substituting regular cheese with goat cheese, or brands created from soy milk. Soy and vegan cheeses can be purchased in all shapes and sizes, including string cheese, shredded varieties, and even cream cheeses.
4. Cook With Cheese
Cheese can be a wonderful addition to almost any and all recipes, and is a terrific garnish to most dishes. Try getting creative with the varieties of cheese in your diet by adding ricotta or Parmesan to home-made pizzas, topping pasta dishes with goat or Swiss cheese, or simply creating a plate for dipping with warmed Brie and fresh pita slices.
5. Pick the Right Kind
It is important to understand freshness when purchasing cheese from any store. Always abide by the expiration date noted on packaging, but make sure to still check the cheese for any signs of molding. If cheese is discolored, changing in texture, or simply emits an odd smell in any way, it is important to avoid it all together. It is easy to get creative with cheese, as there are so many varieties available to date. Try keeping a steady rotation of different kinds to prevent boredom, and ensure the ingestion of a wide array of vitamins and nutrients.
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