Cottage cheese is an excellent food to include in your diet if you’re looking to lose weight. It’s low calorie, high in protein, and contains several beneficial vitamins and minerals.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of cottage cheese, how much to eat per day, and how to best integrate this delicious food into your dietary plan.
Why Is Cottage Cheese Good For Weight Loss?
The main premise of weight loss is remaining at a calorie deficit. Cottage cheese is low in calories, so a serving will make you feel full without adding too many calories to your intake.
Cottage cheese is also high in protein and calcium. According to Healthline, both are beneficial for burning fat and building muscle.
Are There Other Benefits to Eating Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese contains many vitamins and minerals your body needs. B vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus are just a few of the beneficial nutrients in cottage cheese.
Cottage cheese is also affordable and easy to find. You can buy cottage cheese in almost every grocery store, for only a few dollars.
In addition, cottage cheese can be combined with several other foods. You can use it as a side for a meal, or mix it with fruits for a tasty, low-calorie snack.
Is Cottage Cheese Good For My Heart?
Cottage cheese does have some heart benefits. According to experts, regular consumption can help reduce the risk of certain types of heart disease.
Cottage cheese contains many heart-healthy nutrients, such as calcium and magnesium. The biggest detractor is the potential fat content.
Most cardiologists recommend low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese, to maximize the benefits and reduce health risks.
How Much Cottage Cheese Should I Eat Per Day?
Nutrition experts recommend consuming 2 to 3 cups of dairy a day. You can make cottage cheese a part of this, or all of it if you want.
Does The Fat Content Change How Much Cottage Cheese I Can Eat?
Most experts say it doesn’t. Even a full serving of ‘full-fat’ cottage cheese is generally lower in fat and calories than other cheeses.
If you’re concerned about it, there are many low-fat or fat-free options you can choose from.
Is There Anything That Could Change the Amount of Cottage Cheese I Can Eat?
Some experts say that cottage cheese intake should be limited if you’re on a strict keto diet. The carbs-to-fat-to-protein ratio is less than ideal for this type of diet plan.
If you’re participating in a keto plan, experts recommend looking for full-fat, plain cottage cheese, with as few additives as possible.
Lactose intolerance can also affect your recommended intake. Cottage cheese tends to have more lactose than other types of cheeses.
If you have concerns about your lactose tolerance, you can look for lactose-free options.
What Sorts of Foods Can I Combine Cottage Cheese With?
If you want to mix cottage cheese with something, health experts recommend a wide variety of fruits. Bananas, pineapples, berries, and melon balls are all excellent choices.
You can also mix it with things like applesauce or apple butter. Or with simple seasonings, like salt and pepper, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Does Cottage Cheese Go Well With Vegetables?
Cottage cheese in combination with sliced tomatoes is a popular choice. Baby carrots and sliced cucumbers have also been used in a number of cottage cheese dishes.
You can also find a number of salad recipes that incorporate cottage cheese on the internet.
Can I Use Cottage Cheese as a Substitute For Other Things?
There are several places on the internet – and probably in your local library – where you can find cottage cheese substitution recipes. Many recipes use cottage cheese as a low-calorie substitute for other dairy products.
Some individuals even say you can substitute it for things like mayonnaise on sandwiches and in different mayo-based recipes.
When Is The Best Time To Eat Cottage Cheese?
You can eat cottage cheese just about any time.
Mix with fruit or breakfast recipes for a delicious start to your day.
Use it as a post-workout or mid-day snack to help build muscle and restore nutrients.
Make it a low-calorie side for dinner or lunch.
Can I Eat Cottage Cheese Before I Go To Bed?
Cottage cheese is often recommended as a pre-bedtime or midnight snack. High protein and low-calorie are often considered the best combination for consumption just before bed.
High protein takes longer to digest, which keeps your metabolism higher for longer. Low calorie counts mean you won’t be kept awake, and your body won’t resort to storing a lot of energy in fat cells.
How Much Cottage Cheese Can I Eat Before Bed?
As little as two tablespoons will help boost your metabolism and your health. If you’re looking to feel full, you can eat as much as a full serving – one cup – without any problems.
In the end, what you eat isn’t really important. The most important thing is to maintain your calorie deficit.
Cottage cheese is an excellent, affordable, and tasty way to do just that.
