Cheese is a nutrient-rich food you can include in a weight-loss diet, but it's high in calories so you'll need to limit the amount you eat. The protein in cheese may even help you lose weight by making you feel full and satisfied.
CHEESE LOVERS
If you're trying to lose weight, you may think that cheese is off your list, but that's not the case. Depriving yourself of a food that you love is always a recipe for disaster. What's more, studies have shown that eating more than 3 servings of dairy per day can reduce the risk of obesity.
Since cottage cheese is high in protein but low in calories, it is often recommended for weight loss. Several studies indicate that eating high protein foods like cottage cheese can increase feelings of fullness and help decrease overall calorie intake, which in turn may lead to weight loss ( 14 ).
Secret belly-fat burner: Calcium
Dairy, including milk, cheese, and yogurt, are the preferred sources of calcium. Eat three servings of dairy a day, and keep the rest of your diet in check, and you will steadily lose weight.
If you're looking to lose weight, stick to one 1-ounce cheese serving per day, says Stephanie Middleberg, R.D., founder of Middleberg Nutrition in New York City.
Is It Healthy to Eat Cheese Every Day? As long as you don't have a sensitivity to lactose or dairy, eating cheese every day can be part of your healthy eating plan. In addition to the protein and calcium benefits, cheese is a fermented food and can supply a good source of probiotics for a healthy gut.
Eggs are a low-calorie food rich in protein and other nutrients. Eating eggs may support weight loss, especially if a person incorporates them into a calorie-controlled diet. Research suggests that eggs boost metabolic activity and increase feelings of fullness.
A diet high in added sugars, especially from sugar-sweetened beverages, may increase belly fat. Most often, stick with water, unsweetened coffee/tea, and eating a diet rich in whole, minimally processed foods.
For weight loss specifically, experts suggest that whole-wheat or whole-grain pasta is the best. Pasta made of whole grains (wheat, brown rice, spelt, etc.) has fewer calories and high fibre content, both of which make it an ideal option to be added to your weight loss meal.
Some people may feel the need to limit their cheese intake because they're concerned that it's fattening. However, there is good evidence to show dairy foods including milk, cheese and yoghurt are not fattening.
Try to cut back on those that are highest in saturated fat, like ricotta and cheddar. (Slightly lower-saturated-fat cheeses include mozzarella, Swiss, feta, Camembert, and goat cheese.)
Just like other dairy products, cheese too is rich in calcium and protein. Research suggests that when our bodies get adequate amounts of calcium, we tend to burn more fat. Also, with cheese being protein-rich, it accelerates your metabolism and reduces appetite, thereby helping you achieve weight loss.
Regular consumption of an egg-based breakfast has also been associated with increased weight loss over time ( 17 ). According to one study involving 156 adolescents with obesity, eating an egg breakfast increased satiety and reduced lunchtime food intake compared with a breakfast with steamed bread ( 18 ).
Bananas are good for weight loss because they have fiber, which slows digestion and keeps you full. Research has found that boosting fiber intake can reduce the risk of weight gain by up to 30%. Eat up to one banana a day as part of a healthy diet for weight loss.
In summary, yes, yogurt can be a great food for weight loss. “Yogurt is a good source of protein that helps with satiety,” says Maggie Michalczyk, RDN. That means it'll keep you full for a significant amount of time.