Cheese Gotta Have It?

Cheese is quite possibly one of the best foods in the world, and naturally, it’s terrible for dieting. The Pink Patch can alleviate your lust for the fantastic-yet-diet-killer, but does that mean we have to give up cheese?

No. Not really, anyway. A lot of diets and diet-food websites will tell you to only eat non-fat cheese or soy “cheese” (which, defying all reason, actually exist).

F*CK THAT.

I’d rather eat cardboard. If you’re lucky enough to have never sampled those heinous, inedible creations: never, ever buy them. It’s a waste of your money and your stomach.

LOW-FAT cheese is definitely the way to go: it cuts out a lot of fat, but it retains the flavor and texture of wonderful, glorious cheese. Creamy cheeses, like ricotta, mozzarella, or cream cheese (of course) are excellent in low-fat form.

Unfortunately, not all cheeses are available in low-fat form. To indulge, you must economize your calories and fat grams. Keep all other foods low-fat and low-calorie on the day you buy a wedge of Brie or Havarti or Gouda (mmm!). That way, you’ll have earned the sinful glory.

Fabulous Diet Secret: Parmesan is diet-safe in its true, full-fat form. It’s very low calorie, and very low fat, because of the way it’s made. In fact, this is true of most hard cheeses.

Good To Know: Low-fat cream cheese is known as Neufchatel cheese – that’s what you should look for in the supermarket, and luckily, the majority of grocery chains carry it. For extra flavor (and luxury!), try adding chopped chives, or finely diced veggies like sweet red pepper or tomato, or even a little honey and a handful of raisins to Neufchatel – any (or all, if you’re so inclined) are fantastic with a whole wheat or whole grain bagel or toast.