While Warning About Fat, U.S. (Government) Pushes Cheese Sales

[GM2RN]

Here's a fascinating article from the NY Times that highlights the duplicitous nature of our government. It's refreshing to see the mainstream media shedding a tiny ray of light on the subject.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/us/07fat.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha1

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Mmmm.... cheese.... oh I mean that's terrible! Kidding... just channeling my inner Homer. You're right, they should get their act together. Maybe it's part of a larger plan to stimulate the economy. They can create jobs by both making a problem worse, then fighting it at the same time. Pizza delivery guys and cardiologists both make out! I think just hoping that Joe public might voluntarily eat less cheese is proven to be fantasy.

[skipaway]

Cheese is actually very good for you....in moderation.

[Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN]

Moderation. It's a word many people don't understand.

[Davey Do]

Moderation. It's a word many people don't understand.

Abstemious is to eat or drink in moderation

Abstemious is such a neat word. It's one of the two words in the English language which have all the vowels, in order: a- e- i- o- u. Make it an adverb, and you can add y.

Isn't that neat?

Dave

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

There is a documentary called, "Food Inc."... it's an eye opening look into the food industry and it's control on the government as well as the consumer.

"Lose weight- but here, buy this over processed, calorie dense, nutritionally deficient product, it's cheaper than that head of lettuce over there!"

[One2gofst]

Not all cheese is created equal, with regards to nutrient contents.

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

Cheese can be an excellent source of protein. I wonder why we don't see more 2% cheese out there. I often buy it when I find it!

[GHGoonette, BSN, RN]

There are numerous brands of low fat cheeses out there, particularly the soft and semi-soft ones. Mozzarella is supposed to be lower in fat, as is Edam. Then you get reduced fat and fat-free feta cheese, and as has been stated, they are excellent sources of protein and calcium.

It's all in how much of it you pack away, and which types you choose. Processed cheese and cheese spreads are about the worst offenders.

And remember, that yellow colour is colourant, so it's generally best to buy the white cheeses.

This whole debate about low fat vs full cream is getting really boring. The so-called "2%" low fat milk actually only refers to 2% less fat than whole milk-not much in the scheme of things. If it's not skimmed, it's not really low fat. But there's another twist to that! The skimming process apparently removes the protein.... Then of course, you have the argument that dairy fats are not unhealthy, but "healthy" margarines are dangerous....!

I do have a solution for the American government, and in fact every country that has food surpluses. Sell your surplus foods to humanitarian organisations at really dirt-cheap prices. These can then be used to feed starving people in 3rd world countries, for whom the "fat" debate won't be an issue....

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

As someone that cannot tolerate whole milk, cheese in my diet is quite important.

Please demonize this food.

[cmw6v8]

I've read so many conflicting--and convincing--studies about the benefits/risks of saturated fat in dairy products. Some say it's bad for your heart, others say it's not....but here's what I think: cheese IS nutritious when enjoyed in moderation and in the right circumstance. Meaning, pasteurized cheese product on top of french fries is not nutritious. A few slices of a nice cheddar with an apple, however, could be a nutritious snack with health benefits including protein, calcium, and a dose of fat which could help to ward off hunger. It could be a great option for people with diabetes or who need to watch their carb intake.

[kcochrane]

I've read so many conflicting--and convincing--studies about the benefits/risks of saturated fat in dairy products. Some say it's bad for your heart, others say it's not....but here's what I think: cheese IS nutritious when enjoyed in moderation and in the right circumstance. Meaning, pasteurized cheese product on top of french fries is not nutritious. A few slices of a nice cheddar with an apple, however, could be a nutritious snack with health benefits including protein, calcium, and a dose of fat which could help to ward off hunger. It could be a great option for people with diabetes or who need to watch their carb intake.

I can understand your confusion. For someone like me that eats low carb, fat isn't an issue. But that's a whole other debate. . Remember when eggs were bad - now they are good.