Cottage cheese is not cool. It has no style. The packaging hasn’t changed in decades. A lot of people wouldn’t eat it on a dare. But if you’re not eating it and you’re not willing to develop a taste for it, you’re missing out on one of the best, most versatile and affordable sources of lean protein out there.
Fat-free cottage cheese gets a whopping 75% of its calories from protein. For comparison, peanut butter only gets 15% of its calories from protein. When it comes to protein density, cottage cheese rivals skinless chicken breast, which gets 80% of its calories from protein.
A cup of fat-free cottage cheese has 140 calories and 26 grams of protein per cup. That’s about twice the protein of Greek yogurt for the same amount of calories. Considering Greek yogurt has about twice the protein of regular yogurt, cottage cheese just might be the best thing in your grocer’s dairy case.
Cottage cheese is also one of the most affordable proteins out there. You can usually get a pound of cottage cheese for around two dollars. It’s not unusual for a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast to cost more than six dollars. If you spent ten dollars a week on cottage cheese, you’ve added 250 grams of protein to your diet. That is if you eat it.
Cottage cheese is bland, it’s true. But, it is cottage cheese’s neutral flavor that makes it so versatile. For a savory snack, add chives, garlic, and a sprinkle of black pepper or paprika. Some people love stirring salsa into their cottage cheese. For a treat, try adding peanut butter, vanilla, and sweetener.
Some people find the texture of cottage cheese off-putting. If the thought of eating cottage cheese by the spoon makes you a little queasy, try it with cereal and strawberries, dried fruit and nuts, or granola. Adding a little something sweet and crunchy will help you get past that first few bites. You can also use cottage cheese in recipes. Add it to pancake batter, mashed potatoes, even macaroni, and cheese.
Cottage cheese can be a boon to anyone who wants to get more protein in their diet. For dieters and athletes alike, it’s a taste worth acquiring. Even if you’re reluctant to try it, dare yourself. Pick up a container of cottage cheese. You won’t regret it.
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