I don’t like to label foods as good or bad. What is more important is how you eat foods, ie, making the best choice in type when you do have it and consuming it in the right quantity. When we restrict foods completely, this can cause more stress in an individual and this negates any possible benefits from avoidance.
I won’t lie though, I do suggest my clients get off the dairy, and/or limit it as much as possible. I do this for many reasons, one being that most are coming to be with gut and inflammation problems. Lactose found in dairy plus the chemicals and hormones can be contributing to their health concern. Lactose intolerance is common, with approximately 65% of people unable to digest lactose (1). In some cultures, it is up to 90% of the population.
However, we all have our vices and I know there are a lot of cheese lovers amongst my clients. So let’s make the better choices! When choosing, the healthiest kind is one that is from a responsible source and one that comes from grass-fed animals, is raw, organic and unprocessed. You are what the cow eats too!
The unhealthier choices in cheese are processed, pasteurised, low fat and sweetened. If you are having cheese, choosing the full fat tends to be better as the low-fat varieties aren’t as satisfying and you end up wanting more food afterward. Quality over quantity. It is better to buy organic and to have a little than a cheap one and have more. A poor quality cheese from an unhappy farmed cow will put you at risk to consuming the hormones, antibiotics and poor nutrition that the animal consumed.
My Top 4 Choices Of Healthiest Cheeses
Goats Cheese
The milk in goats cheese does not contain the A1 casein protein that many people have trouble digesting thus is less inflammatory. The fat globules are also smaller in goats cheese compared to cow dairy (2). This makes digestion easier and causes less irritation.
Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is made from goats milk or sheep’s milk, or both combined. The goat’s milk as mentioned above is better on our digestive system. Do always check the labels and read the ingredients. Feta tends to be high in sodium so be mindful of how much you are consuming.
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta is another better choice and it can be from sheep’s or goat’s milk. It has a slightly sweet taste. It can make a good snack as a lot can go a long way if you spread it lightly on a rice cake and fill up on some vegetables such as sliced tomatoes.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese can be used similarly to ricotta. It has a milder softer taste. Cottage cheese is high in protein making it a good choice for those on higher protein diets.
If you would like help modifying your diet and making some better choices in other areas please get in touch for a consult. Healthy eating isn’t about deprivation, it is about balance and finding out what works for your body and lifestyle!
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