By Hollie Harris
New research has found that 70 per cent of young Aussie women have experienced feelings of guilt from eating cheese.
The most common reason for that guilt is that women think it’s fattening, with 31per cent saying they have limited their consumption or avoided cheese for that reason.
Dairy Australia Dietitian, Glenys Zucco said that there are many reasons to include cheese in the diet.
“Currently, nine out of 10 Australian women don’t consume their recommended serves of dairy each day as advised by the Australian Dietary Guidelines, so women don’t have to feel guilty about increasing their daily consumption of cheese,” she said.
“Despite popular belief, eating cheese as part of a balanced diet is not linked to weight gain. In fact, the latest scientific evidence shows including milk, cheese and yogurt as part of a weight loss plan can help you lose more weight.
“Accumulated research shows that there is a wealth of health benefits linked with the consumption of cheese which is a valuable source of naturally occurring essential nutrients. Adding an extra serve of dairy to your day can be as easy as two slices of cheddar on your sandwich or half a cup of ricotta in your pasta sauce.”
Dietitian and balanced eating advocate, Lyndi Cohen, was quick to support Dairy Australia’s position, saying it’s common but unhelpful for women to feel guilty about what they’re eating.
“It didn’t surprise me that so many women feel guilty about eating cheese. It’s important for Aussie women to know that there’s absolutely no reason to feel guilty about some of their personal food choices, especially around eating cheese,” she said.
“Cheese is good for you. It naturally contains a host of nutrients you need including calcium for strong bones and protein for hunger-busting and healthy muscles,” Lyndi said.