Confessions of a Wisconsin Girl

What do think of when you hear Wisconsin?  Let's keep it food related sports fans.

Yes, I am thinking about cheese.  As I was eating a salad for lunch it struck me just how far I have come.  I really, really like cheese and I am especially fond of  Wisconsin cheese.  It could be the Wisconsin girl in me, but I find those not from Wisconsin also find themselves in a vulnerable state when a cheese tray presents itself.

Fellow cheese-lovers pay attention.  This is for you.

A little history on my own personal nutrition journey with cheese.  Laugh all you want but this is a true story.  I grew up in the small town of Mauston where cheese was a main staple for a family of 5 girls.  My Mom was a busy lady therefore we ate what was convenient: cheese and crackers, macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, cheese pizza, lone slices from the big block of American cheese she would buy and of course Velveeta (not sure I consider that cheese anymore). I think you get the drift.  At one point my sister worked at a cheese factory.  This added to my love for cheese. Hello Gouda!!  Of course the squeaky cheese that is near and dear to my heart, cheese curds, are still a favorite.  Yes, non-Wisconsin people, they come without breading and can be found fresh daily in the convenience stores across the state. They have traveled across the border to places including CT, KS and MN.


So, have I overcome this love for cheese?  Not in my lifetime. What I have done is learned to enjoy it and not let it consume me.  I know my limitations; I do not buy blocks of cheese unless I am entertaining and the same goes for cheese trays.  I will order some occasional Colby-jack for my kids from the deli.  Cooler weather will bring grilled cheese, so the American slices will appear.  But my best personal tip.  Buy it shredded.  A little cheese goes a long way.  Crumbled feta, is another favorite.  Parmesan is the bomb! String cheese in a single serving package is also a house staple.  Non-fat cheese...not a favorite.  I will occasionally opt for the the low-fat string cheese just because I like the texture.

 If I'm going to enjoy it, it might as well be real. That's all my fellow cheese lovers.  I am not going to break it down any further and tell you to choose one over the other.  That is not what balance is about.  Enjoy your cheese and eat it too!


If you are looking for basic meal and snack ideas and want to know more about my nutrition philosophy feel free to visit my page on Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness