Cheese in Your Low-Carb Diet

Low-carbohydrate diets are popular to achieve weight loss. They involve restricting carbohydrates including breads, grains, rice, and starchy fruits and vegetables. There are many different types of low-carb diets with varying guidelines. Cheese, however, is typically allowed on all low-carbohydrate diets because cheese contains more fat and protein than carbs.

Cheeses are a bountiful low-carb staple. Most cheeses have few carbs — if they have any carbs at all. All of your everyday cheeses are low in carbs, and they make up just the tip of the proverbial cheese iceberg:

Goat cheese

Cream cheese

Swiss, cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone

Parmesan

Cottage cheese

Because cheese is full of protein and calcium, it makes a great snack when you feel that starvation pang. Venture out and try some new combinations.

Cheeses are low in carbohydrates, usually containing less than 1 g. The Atkins website explains that you may enjoy 3 to 4 oz. of cheese per day when following a low-carb diet. A 1 oz. serving is about the size of an individually wrapped slice of American cheese or a 1-inch cube of cheese.

Although cheese contains fats and proteins, which are emphasized on a low-carb diet, cheese can still be high in calories. It is important that you watch how much cheese you are consuming; too much of any food can lead to weight gain. Adding cheese on top of salads, pastas and eggs can be a healthy addition when done in moderation.