I Will Never Say Goodbye to Cheese — No Matter What Your Book Claims

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After the arrival of my third child, I found myself grappling with his colic, which was due to a dairy intolerance. That meant I had to bid farewell to all dairy products until I finished nursing him. I did it out of love, of course, but the moment he was weaned, I practically embraced a block of cream cheese like it was a long-lost friend.

Cheese is versatile — you can elevate it with a fancy wine pairing or indulge in the simplicity of a can of cheese spray. Trust me, I could inhale that stuff like it’s my last meal.

Every Saturday night, you’ll find me in the kitchen whipping up nachos for my family. I shred sharp cheddar into a mountain, and before it even gets melted, I can’t resist snagging a handful for myself. That cold, hard cheese just leaves me craving more. As it bubbles over the corn chips in the oven, I pull out a tub of sour cream and liberally scoop (yes, scoop, not dip) it onto my nachos — a delightful appetizer for my appetizer!

I’m a huge fan of homemade blue cheese dressing, and there’s something about a good smoked Gouda that just hits the spot. And don’t even get me started on feta in a Greek salad, loaded with kalamata olives and juicy cherry tomatoes. I’ve perfected the art of folding squares of American cheese into bite-sized morsels, and I wear that skill like a badge of honor.

And pizza? Don’t even get me started on that cheesy goodness, or lasagna for that matter. During the holidays, a good cheese ball is a must, and if you’ve never had baked brie drizzled with honey and topped with candied nuts, you’re missing out.

Do I love cheese? Is the sky blue? Absolutely, I adore it. Melty, gooey cheese is the stuff of dreams.

Am I addicted? Nah, probably not. Wait, maybe I am. If I’m going to be hooked on something, why not dairy? Just the other day, I plunged my finger into a tub of herbed goat cheese — no cracker required — and trust me, it was worth every creamy bite. Call me a cheese addict if you want, and pass the muenster.

So when I stumbled upon a book titled The Cheese Trap: How Breaking a Surprising Addiction Will Help You Lose Weight, Gain Energy, and Get Healthy by Dr. Nathan Green, a physician and president of the Healthier Eating Coalition, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.

Now, I’m not a doctor, nor do I run any committees, but I’ve been enjoying cheese for over 40 years, and I’m not about to stop. Dr. Green claims cheese is a nutritional nightmare: “Full of calories, high in sodium, more cholesterol than steak, and laced with hormones — if cheese were any worse, it would be like spreading Vaseline on toast.”

Honestly, if Vaseline tasted like cheese, I might just give it a try. Don’t judge me! Milk contains casein, which has opiate-like properties, and when it’s transformed into cheese, the concentration of casein skyrockets. A cup of milk has about 7.7 grams of protein, mostly casein, but turn it into cheddar, and you’re looking at a whopping 56 grams! It’s the most concentrated casein form you’ll find at the grocery store.

While I understand the importance of being informed about what we eat, cheese is not something I’m ready to part with. For starters, I’m not lactose intolerant, and I don’t face any negative effects from indulging. Plus, Dr. Green isn’t my boss!

The mere thought of giving it up makes me break out in hives, and honestly, that’s all the justification I need to keep enjoying all the cheese I want. If you have a food allergy or sensitivity, by all means, ditch it. But if cheese doesn’t cause you any issues, dig in!

Dr. Green suggests we avoid unhealthy foods altogether — even for our kids: “If you have children, it’s best to never introduce them to unhealthful foods at all. Cheese can lead to childhood obesity.” Seriously, Dr. Green? If cheese isn’t harming you and you enjoy a quesadilla or two every week, why should you stop? Isn’t moderation the answer?

And hey, if one wild Saturday night you decide to devour an entire cheesecake with a fork — that’s your prerogative. I’m not against food research; it’s crucial to know what we’re putting into our bodies. However, books like this often leave people feeling guilty about their food choices.

So, if cheese brings you joy, enjoy it! If you’re looking to lose weight, maybe reduce your portions or cut back on something else instead. Life is too short to be a fun sponge at the next gathering; there will be cheese, and you’ll want to partake. It’s all about living — so grab that wedge, scoop some onto a cracker, and savor that cheesy goodness while giving Dr. Green a cheeky wink.

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In summary, cheese is a delightful indulgence that many people enjoy, and while it’s important to be mindful of our diets, giving up cheese entirely isn’t necessary for everyone. Enjoy it in moderation and don’t let guilt dictate your choices!