We ALL love cheese, right? It is a wonderful food with so many variations and flavors, and good nutrition to boot! Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. It is also a source of vitamin B12, which is especially good news for vegetarians.
However, cheese contains 600 percent more saturated fat than sirloin steak (pound for pound)! One 1 ounce piece of cheddar cheese (visualize dice) contains approximately 119 calories, 9 g fat, and 6 g saturated fat. How many times do you only eat a dice-worth of cheese?
Now, I'm not saying DON'T EAT CHEESE! Cheese has it's place. But, does cheese need to top your burgers, tacos, and sandwiches? Maybe not.
If cheese is really truly special to you-- don't read this. How many times have you taken a bite of your patty melt or taco and said "Wow, that cheese really makes it"? Not likely (argue with me as you wish). AND, by cutting out the cheese out of cheese-laden foods, you could be cutting out 150-200 calories from foods that may already be heavy on the calorie side.
Would you enjoy your cheese slightly more if you had a piece with a nice apple for a snack?
This is NOT A RULE. Just a thought................................................
Excellent point.. I just found your blog and I love it already! I love cheese too, but I eat reduced fat when possible, and savor full fat cheeses only when they are special - on a nice bowl of french onion soup or on a cheese plate at a special dinner.. Keep up the great posts!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree. I LOVE cheese. Lately I've been leaving it off in favor of avocado (or guacamole) if I substitute at all.
ReplyDeleteI love the 80/20 way of thinking and had never heard of it before. Trying really hard to make sure that's how my dining takes shape!
After reading this a couple of weeks ago, it put me over the fence. I'd been contemplating cutting out dairy (with the exception of a "treat" once in a while :) and i've finally done it. I was known for sprinkling cheese on everything. And being a vegetarian already, i used it as a sub. But already, i feel less bloated and my skin looks great! and it's been 10 days, and i don't miss it that much. But i'm thinking about how much i'll enjoy the cheese when i am at a great italian restaurant and get to order the Caprese salad as a special treat (rather than have it as part of every meal!). Thanks!
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