It’s no secret that Americans have a love affair with cheese.
And among those surveyed, one-third report eating cheese an average of three times each day.
All that cheese consumption may explain whythree out of four U.S. adults are either overweight or obese.
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Get excited, because you won’t have to end your passionate love affair with cheese!
It’s all about eating smart when you do decide to indulge.
Keep reading to learn about 10 ways to lose weight without giving up cheese.
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Choose low-fat cheese varieties.
Choose low-fat cheese optionsthat are equally satisfying but with fewer calories.
Think light mozzarella, reduced-fat cheddar, or skim milk ricotta for a guilt-free indulgence.
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These options retain the delicious taste you love while being kinder to your waistline.
“Opt for low-fat or reduced-fat versions of your favorite cheeses,” advises Best.
“These options have fewer calories and saturated fats, making them a healthier choice for weight management.”
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Practice portion control.
Enjoying cheese doesn’t mean going overboard.
Stick to moderate portions to savor the flavor without sabotaging your weight loss efforts.
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“Cheese can be high in calories, so be mindful of your portions.
Measure out a reasonable serving size, and avoid mindlessly snacking on large quantities,” says Best.
Pair cheese with fiber-rich foods.
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Balance your cheese consumption withfiber-rich foodslike whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
The fiber will keep you feeling full and satisfied, preventing cheese overload.
Best tells us, “Combine cheese with fiber-rich foods like whole-grain crackers, vegetables, or fruits.
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The fiber will help you feel fuller, preventing overeating.”
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Opt for stronger-flavored cheeses.
Use stronger-flavored cheeses like feta or blue cheese to take your cheese game to the next level.
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Their bold flavors mean it’s possible for you to use less while still getting that cheesy punch.
“You’ll still enjoy the taste without consuming large quantities.”
Use cheese as a garnish.
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Add cheese as a tasty garnish rather than the main event.
Sprinkle some Parmesan on your salad or pasta for that delightful finishing touch.
Using cheese as an accent will deliver the same taste you crave without overwhelming your dish with unnecessary calories.
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Snack on cheese mindfully.
When snacking on cheese, do it mindfully.
Sit down, savor each bite, and truly appreciate the taste.
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Mindful eating can prevent overeating and reduce calorie intake.
For example, create a cheese platter with various textures and flavors.
Best tells us, “If you love cheese as a snack, savor it mindfully.
Focus on the taste and texture to fully enjoy each bite, which can help prevent overeating.”
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Incorporate protein-rich cheeses.
Choose protein-packed cheeseslike cottage cheese or Parmesan to fuel your body and keep hunger at bay.
Balance your overall diet.
“ensure your overall diet is balanced and includes a variety of nutritious foods,” states Best.
Avoid cheese-based processed foods.
Steer clear of cheese-loaded processed foodslike cheesy snacks or frozen pizzas.
“Be cautious with processed foods that contain cheese,” cautions Best.
“These often contain added fats and sodium, which can cause weight gain,” says Best.
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Plan your cheese intake.
“Instead of consuming cheese haphazardly throughout the day, plan when and how much cheese you’ll eat.
Being intentional about your cheese consumption can help you manage your calorie intake more effectively,” says Best.
