When my youngest child arrived, he struggled with colic, which was later identified as a dairy intolerance. As a result, I had to eliminate all dairy from my diet while I was nursing. I did it out of love for him, but once he weaned, I reunited with cheese as if it were an old flame.
Cheese is versatile; you can indulge in a sophisticated wine and cheese pairing or relish the simple joy of canned cheese. Honestly, I can consume that stuff like it’s a guilty pleasure.
Almost every Saturday, you’ll find me in my kitchen whipping up a cheesy nacho feast for my family. I pile heaps of sharp cheddar onto my plate, and let’s just say that a few handfuls make their way straight to my mouth. Watching the cheese melt over the corn chips in the oven is pure bliss. And don’t even get me started on sour cream—it’s not just a dip; it’s an essential part of the experience.
Homemade blue cheese dressing? Yes, please! A good smoked Gouda? Count me in. Feta in a Greek salad? Heaven. I’ve honed the art of folding American cheese into tiny squares to pop into my mouth, and I wear that skill like a badge of honor.
And then there’s pizza, lasagna, and those festive cheese balls during the holidays. And if you haven’t tried baked brie drizzled with honey and topped with candied nuts, what are you even doing with your life?
Am I a cheese lover? Absolutely. Do I have a cheese addiction? Maybe, but if I’m going to be addicted to something, let it be this delightful dairy product. Just yesterday, I found myself diving into a tub of herbed goat cheese—no cracker required.
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. Neil Barnaby, I felt compelled to voice my opinion. Now, I’m not a nutritionist, nor do I hold any medical titles, but my love for cheese spans over four decades.
Barnaby claims cheese is a culinary villain—high in calories, loaded with sodium, and more cholesterol than steak. He argues that cheese is not just fattening but also addictive. If cheese were as bad as he suggests, I’d still enjoy it! He points out that the casein in cheese acts like opiates, and when milk is transformed into cheese, it intensifies the concentration.
While I understand the importance of nutritional awareness, I still refuse to give up cheese. I’m not lactose intolerant, and I don’t face adverse effects from my cheesy indulgences. Plus, who is he to dictate what I can and cannot enjoy? The mere thought of living without cheese makes me break out in hives.
If you have a food allergy or an adverse reaction to cheese, of course, it makes sense to avoid it. But if you’re like me and can enjoy a quesadilla or a slice of Swiss without any issues, then why stop? Moderation is key. And if one wild night you decide to devour an entire cheesecake, that’s your choice.
I’m not dismissing food research—understanding what we consume is vital. However, books like Barnaby’s often leave people feeling guilty about their choices. If cheese brings you joy, eat it! If you want to shed some pounds, consider reducing portions or cutting back on other items instead. You don’t want to be the one at a gathering turning down the cheese platter, right? Embrace life, indulge, and savor every cheesy bite while giving a cheeky nod to Barnaby.
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In summary, cheese is a delightful indulgence that many people cherish. As long as it doesn’t negatively impact your health, enjoy it guilt-free. Life is too short to deprive yourself of the flavors that bring you happiness.