After the arrival of my third child, I discovered he had colic due to a dairy intolerance. This meant I had to eliminate all dairy from my diet until he was weaned. Of course, I did it for him, but the moment he stopped nursing, I indulged in cream cheese like it was a long-lost friend.
Cheese is versatile; it can be sophisticated or downright casual. You could host a wine and cheese tasting or just grab a can of cheese for a late-night snack. Personally, I have a love affair with cheese that knows no bounds.
Almost every Saturday, I find myself whipping up nachos for my family. I grate heaps of sharp cheddar, and before it even hits the chips, I sneak a handful into my mouth. The cold, hard cheese leaves me craving more. As I see it melt over the chips in the oven, I prepare the sour cream for dipping — or shall I say, scooping — because who doesn’t love a mini appetizer before the main event?
I’m a huge fan of blue cheese dressing, especially the homemade kind. A good smoked gouda sends my taste buds into overdrive, and feta cheese is essential in a Greek salad piled high with kalamata olives and cherry tomatoes. I take pride in my ability to fold American cheese into tiny squares that I can pop into my mouth with ease.
And let’s not forget about pizza and lasagna! I adore a festive cheese ball during the holidays, and if you haven’t tried baked brie drizzled with honey and topped with candied nuts, then you are seriously missing out.
Do I have a soft spot for cheese? Absolutely! Is it an addiction? Maybe… but if I am going to be addicted to anything, it might as well be this delightful dairy. Just the other day, I dove finger-first into a tub of herbed goat cheese sans cracker. Worth every bite. Call it what you will; I embrace my cheese-loving ways!
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. Samuel Bright, a prominent figure in nutrition, I felt compelled to respond.
First off, I’m not a doctor or a nutritionist, but I’ve been enjoying cheese for over four decades. Dr. Bright warns against cheese, claiming it’s loaded with calories, high in sodium, and even worse than steak when it comes to cholesterol. He describes cheese as “fattening and addictive.” But if cheese tasted like Vaseline, I’d still eat it.
He argues that when milk is converted into cheese, the concentration of casein — a protein that contains opiate molecules — skyrockets. While I understand the importance of being aware of what we consume, cheese is not something I’m ready to part with. I don’t have any intolerances or adverse effects, and frankly, the thought of giving it up sends shivers down my spine.
If someone has a dairy allergy, by all means, they should avoid it. But if you’re like me and relish the occasional quesadilla or slice of Swiss cheese, why should you stop? Moderation should be the focus, not deprivation. Even if you want to indulge in an entire cheesecake one wild Saturday night, that’s your call.
I appreciate food research, but sometimes books like this can make people feel guilty for enjoying their favorite foods. If cheese brings you joy, enjoy it! If weight loss is a goal, consider reducing portions or balancing it with other foods instead of eliminating cheese entirely. After all, you don’t want to be the “fun sponge” at dinner parties where cheese is bound to be served.
So go ahead, savor that wedge of cheese or pile it on a cracker. Life is too short to deny yourself the pleasures of dairy!
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In summary, cheese is a beloved staple for many, and while understanding dietary choices is important, enjoy it in moderation if it brings you happiness. Life is about balance and savoring what you love!