8 nutritionist-approved ways to use cottage cheese to boost protein

Interest in high-protein diets is at an all-time high, as are protein-packed foods like cheese More popular than ever.

Cottage cheese provides 23.5 grams of protein per cup and an abundance of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, calcium and selenium. Its refreshing taste and creamy texture make it an ideal ingredient for sweet and savory dishes.

From high-protein toast to nutritious ice cream, here are 8 Smart ways To use cheese, according to nutritionists.

To increase the protein and cream content of your favorite smoothie, add some cheese.

“Cottage cheese is one of my favorite types of cheese because of how it is made Diverse abilities that it,” Amanda Sauceda, MS, RDHe said health. She likes to add a little cheese to her smoothies instead of protein powder.

Steve Greinke, MS, RD, CPT, PMH-C He likes to use cottage cheese in addition to other protein sources for a more filling smoothie. “You can use cheese as your main source of protein, or… Place it on top of the protein powder To get around 30-40 grams of protein per servingshe said.

Try combining cottage cheese with a mixture of frozen fruits, such as berries and bananas, plus milk of your choice for a simple and delicious smoothie.

If you like the creaminess of mayonnaise but want to add more protein to your diet, try using cottage cheese instead.

Greinke loves it Use cottage cheese in dishes such as egg salad and A chick authority. But first, you’ll need to spice it up a little more.

You can also use it in potato salad. “This will reduce the fat and calorie content of your plate, while increasing the protein content,” Groenke explained.

“One of my favorite ways to enjoy cheese is in a delicious Mediterranean-style bowl with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.” Michelle Rothenstein, MS RD CDCES CDNHe said health.

Adding cheese to vegetable dishes also helps Increase levels of nutrients Which are usually low in vegetables, such as zinc and B12.

Vitamin B12 is essential for neurological function, red blood cell production, and metabolism, while zinc plays important roles in immune health, cell division, and protein and DNA synthesis.

Popular toast toppings, such as butter and jam, lack essential nutrients, such as protein. To increase the satiety factor in toastTry using cottage cheese as a creamy and delicious topping. Protein slows down the digestion process and stimulates the release of satiety hormones, helping you feel full after eating.

If you want a sweeter option, Cornell recommends layering toast with berries, such as sliced ​​strawberries, and then finishing your plate with a drizzle of agave and balsamic.

to Eat low-calorie, high-protein ice creamTry making ice cream with cottage cheese. Cornell recommends using an ice cream maker to make a creamy, satisfying, high-protein dessert with cheese.

Cornell likes to make strawberry balsamic ice cream using cream cheese, fresh strawberries, balsamic glaze, and agave.

No ice cream maker? No problem! Blend the cheese until smooth, then add chopped fresh fruit and a touch of honey or your favorite sweetener. Place it in the freezer until it hardens for healthy homemade ice cream.

Eggs are a strong source of protein, with each large egg containing 6.3 grams. They also provide other essential nutrients such as vitamin A, B12, choline, and selenium.

Cottage cheese is Good source of probioticsThey are microorganisms that can benefit health when consumed in specific quantities. Eating probiotic-rich foods may help support gut health by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine.

To make sure your cottage cheese is a good source of probiotics, choose products made from live, active cultures. This means that the product contains significant levels of live and active probiotics.

Saucida likes to use cottage cheese as a base for Alfredo or marinara sauces.

Cottage cheese can easily replace pasta sauce ingredients like heavy creamOr cheese or butter, which provide fewer calories and fat while adding more protein

And don’t forget to add high-fiber ingredients to your pasta, such as grilled vegetables, to round out the nutritional value of your dish.

Although baked goods such as cakes and bread are delicious, they are usually low in protein. To fix this problem, Greunke likes to add cheese to her favorite recipes.

Greunke also likes to mix cheese and cottage cheese Add it to pancake and waffle batter for a high protein content breakfast Favorites.

With its creamy flavor and high protein content, cottage cheese is a versatile staple worth stocking in your refrigerator.

Not only can it be added to sweet and savory dishes, it can help improve the texture, taste and nutritional value of your favorite recipes.