What Kind Of Cheese Is Allowed On The Mediterranean Diet?
When it comes to following the Mediterranean diet, there are a few things that you might be wondering about.
For starters, what kind of cheese is allowed on the Mediterranean diet? And how does cheese fit into a healthy and balanced diet?
Keep reading for the answers!
The Mediterranean Diet Allows Dairy In Moderation
Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet is one of the most heart-healthy diets around. It's also been linked to longer life expectancy and lower rates of depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and some cancers. The key to this diet's success? That it allows dairy in moderation.
One reason many people don't stick with a new lifestyle change like the Mediterranean diet is that they're worried about giving up foods they love or fear they'll never be able to eat again once following this type of eating plan.
But you can still enjoy cheese on your favorite dishes — just do so sparingly!
Check out: 13 Steps To Using The Mediterranean Diet For Fat Loss
What Kind Of Cheese Is Allowed On The Mediterranean Diet?
There are many different types of cheese that are allowed on the Mediterranean diet. Some of the most popular types of cheese that are allowed include feta, goat cheese, and ricotta. But, there are several more to add to your repertoire, for variety.
Here Are Some Cheeses You Can Enjoy:
Blue cheese
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that is blue-veined and tangy. It is made from cow's milk and has a crumbly texture. It's often served on burgers, salads, or as appetizers with crackers.
The texture can vary from creamy to crumbly; the color ranges from white to pale yellow to deep gold; and the flavor can range from mild to sharp, salty, nutty, buttery, fruity (especially when blueberries are used), spicy (e.g., cayenne pepper), earthy (from various types of mold).
Blue cheese is high in protein and calcium, but it also contains a high amount of fat, so keep your portions small.
Fun fact: Blue cheeses are typically aged in cool caves for at least three months or more before they're released for sale.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular types of cheese. Cheddar cheese is a hard, yellow type of cheese that has a sharp and salty taste. Cheddar cheeses can be made from cow or goat milk.
One of the benefits of cheddar cheese is that it is very versatile, meaning you can find ways to use it in your favorite recipes without making too many changes.
This type of cheese often goes well on salads because it’s creamy and tangy; on sandwiches; with fruit; in soups; with crackers; and more! It’s also very tasty on its own or on top of salads.
Cheddar cheese is high in calcium and contains some protein. Its fat content varies depending on how it's aged.
Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is a type of cheese that is often overlooked. It's a type of cheese that is low in calories and high in protein. Cottage cheese is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It's also a good source of B vitamins, including vitamin B12.
One cup of cottage cheese provides around 22 grams of protein, which can help you reach your daily protein goals. If you're looking for a healthy snack that will help you stay full, cottage cheese is a great option.
You can enjoy it plain or add it to your favorite dishes.
Feta cheese
Feta cheese is salty, crumbly white cheese made of sheep or goat milk. It's named after the town of Feta in Greece and is the most popular cheese there.
Feta has been produced for many centuries and can be found on tables around Europe as well as North Africa, South America, Australia, and New Zealand.
It goes well with salads, pasta, roasted vegetables, and grilled meats. It also makes an excellent sandwich topping!
Gruyere cheese
Gruyere cheese is a type of cheese that is made from unpasteurized cow's milk.
It has a sweet, nutty taste and a soft texture. It can be found in different colors, including yellow, white, and orange.
Grown mainly in the French Alps but also produced elsewhere with traditional methods of production (in Canada for example), Gruyere has been produced since at least the 17th century.
Aged 7 to 12 months or more depending on variety and style, it provides an interesting contrast to most cheeses as it does not have any rind or crust on its surface.
Gruyère cheese is high in calcium and protein but also contains saturated fats.
Goat cheese
Goat cheese is a type of cheese that comes from goats and is often soft and crumbly. It has a tangy taste and can be found in different colors, including yellow, white, and orange.
Goat cheese is delicious, versatile food that can be used in an array of ways. It tastes great on its own or as part of a dish, and it also makes for fantastic spreads to go with crackers. But, don’t stop there!
Goat cheese is also perfect for cheesecakes and other desserts. And chefs love using goat cheese because it has such wonderful qualities when cooking with it. Whether you are looking for something sweet or savory, goat cheese will please your taste buds every time.
If you want to give your dishes that extra special touch without spending too much money on specialty ingredients, try adding some goat cheese!
Goat cheese is high in calcium content but also contains saturated fats which are higher than many other types of cheeses like cheddar.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a type of cheese that has been made for centuries in Italy. It can be used as part of the meal or eaten on its own, and it is often served with tomato sauce.
Mozzarella cheeses are soft and stringy when they are fresh, but become solid and formless when they have aged for some time.
Mozzarella has a mild flavor which goes well with many different foods. If you combine it with tomatoes, basil leaves, garlic cloves, olive oil and salt then the result will be an amazing dish called Caprese salad.
People who enjoy eating mozzarella usually find themselves craving this dish again soon after their first taste because it's so good!
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular cheese that's made primarily from cow's milk. It has an intensely salty flavor and can be used in cooking or eaten as a snack.
Parmesan cheese originated in Italy, where it was originally called “Parmigiano Reggiano.” The name means “of Parma,” which is the Italian city where the best Parmesan comes from today.
The word “parmesan” came into use because of its popularity in Britain, but it doesn't mean anything at all. It just sounds fancy!
Ricotta cheese
Ricotta cheese is a fresh, soft cheese made from the whey of cow’s milk. It has a mild flavor and creamy texture. Ricotta can be used in both sweet and savory dishes like lasagna, cannoli, cheesecake, or even oatmeal.
It’s not just the flavor of ricotta that you'll love. Ricotta cheese is also high in calcium, which helps your body build strong bones and teeth.
It has more protein than whole milk with less fat, but it still provides the same amount of Vitamin A as an orange.
So if you are looking to eat healthier without giving up all your favorite foods, try some ricotta on a whole-wheat English muffin or toast spread with some honey!
You may also want to check out foods not allowed on the Mediterranean diet, and adding exercise to make the Mediterranean diet more effective.
Enjoy Your Cheese In Moderation
The Mediterranean diet is an amazing way to eat for health and weight loss. You don’t have to give up all of your favorite foods!
It may be a good idea not to overdo it on cheese if you are following this diet strictly, but go ahead and enjoy some in moderation with one or two meals per day.