How to Eat Cheese Without Gaining Weight (12 photos)

As much as we all love cheese, it isn't exactly the kindest food for our waistlines due to its high fat content. But does that mean you have to deny yourself the pleasure entirely?

Here are 10 practical tips on how to enjoy cheese without compromising your fitness goals.







Pay attention to calorie counts. Always check the nutrition label, but keep an eye out—supermarket shelves often feature surprisingly light options.





Opt for pre-portioned cheese. Single-serving options are a lifesaver if you tend to lose track of portion sizes. And remember rule number one: the lower the fat content, the better.



Check the ingredient list. In an era of engineered flavors and chemical additives, taking a moment to read the label before tossing a block into your cart is crucial. Fun fact: cheese made from grass-fed milk contains significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.



Grate your cheese whenever possible. You need far less shredded cheese to flavor a dish or a sandwich, making it an easy way to cut back on calories without sacrificing taste.



Don't waste your daily calorie allowance on fake cheese. This means skipping squeeze-bottle cheese, heavy nacho cheese sauces (nachos are better off without them anyway), processed cheeseburger slices, and artificial dips.



Choose cheeses that are naturally lower in fat yet rich in flavor and aroma. Your best bets are goat cheese, Parmesan, and fresh mozzarella.



Know the difference between hard and soft cheeses. Hard cheeses are generally more nutrient-dense, but they also tend to be higher in fat. Rotate different varieties and stick to sensible portion sizes.



Don't hover around the cheese board at parties. Mindless snacking often happens when we're bored or socializing. To keep your calorie intake in check, grab a smaller plate or distract yourself with lighter options.



Eat cheese after your workouts. Cheese is rich in amino acids that promote muscle recovery. Nutritionists often recommend ricotta as a post-gym snack because it's lower in calories than most other cheeses (around 171 calories per half-cup).



Pay attention to what you eat with your cheese. Carbs like bread and crackers often pack far more calories than the cheese itself. If you're pairing cheese with crackers or crispbreads, make sure they are high in fiber.



Pair your cheese with fruits or vegetables for a balanced snack. Try goat cheese with roasted beets, cream cheese with pineapple, or a shaved Brussels sprout salad topped with almonds and grated Parmesan.