Getting Down After Cheese: The Ultimate Guide

how to get down after you get cheese

Cheese is delicious, but eating too much can lead to digestive issues. If you're experiencing constipation, try increasing your water intake, eating more fibre, and going for a walk. To speed up digestion, eat fruits like papaya, plums, and dragonfruit. To slow things down, eat white bread, rice, or pasta. If you're addicted to cheese and want to cut down or quit, start small by picking a few days a week to go cheese-free and gradually increase the number of days. Nutritional yeast, or nooch, is a great vegan alternative that adds a nutty, cheesy flavor to your dishes.

cycheese

Drink lots of water

Drinking water after eating cheese can be beneficial, especially if you are lactose intolerant. Firstly, it is important to note that cheese is high in sodium, and consuming too much sodium can lead to dehydration. Therefore, drinking water can help prevent dehydration, which is a common issue when consuming foods high in sodium.

However, according to ancient Indian wisdom and Ayurveda, drinking water with your meal or right after can dilute the food and slow down digestion, leading to bloating or overeating. This may be especially true for certain foods, such as bananas, where the combination can cause indigestion.

Nevertheless, when it comes to cheese, increasing your water intake can be beneficial, especially if you are experiencing constipation or other digestive issues due to lactose intolerance. Water can help move the lactose through your system, preventing it from reaching the colon, where it can cause discomfort. Additionally, staying hydrated can help with the bloating that may occur within 30 minutes to two hours of eating cheese if you struggle to digest dairy.

It is important to note that while water can be helpful after eating cheese, it is also crucial to consume it before and during your meal if you are pairing cheese with wine, as this can help prevent dehydration and other negative side effects.

cycheese

Eat fibre and fresh fruit

If you've overindulged in cheese, eating fibre and fresh fruit can help get things moving again. Fibre is well known for its ability to aid digestion and keep things regular, so it's a good idea to increase your fibre intake after a cheese binge. Fresh fruit is also an excellent choice, as it is packed with natural digestive enzymes that can help break down the cheese in your system.

Fibre can be found in a variety of whole grains, legumes, and vegetables. Good sources of fibre include whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, beans, lentils, broccoli, and avocados. When it comes to fruit, almost any fresh fruit will provide those beneficial digestive enzymes. However, some fruits are particularly renowned for their digestive properties, such as papaya, plums, and dragonfruit, blueberries, and citrus fruits like tangerines, oranges, and clementines.

It's worth noting that while fibre and fresh fruit can help get things moving, they may not be enough on their own. Staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also essential for healthy digestion. In addition, getting some light exercise, such as going for a walk, can help stimulate your digestive system and get things moving more quickly.

If you're looking for specific food combinations to pair with your cheese, consider the following: mozzarella balls with cherry tomatoes and basil, honey-whipped ricotta with fresh sliced figs, or a veggie-rich omelette, salad, or soup with cheese. These combinations can help balance out the nutritional profile of your meal, providing a more diverse range of nutrients and promoting a healthier digestive experience.

In conclusion, eating fibre and fresh fruit is a great start to getting your digestive tract back on track after a cheese overload. However, don't forget the importance of hydration and light exercise, as well as considering more well-rounded meals that pair cheese with fibre-rich and nutrient-dense foods.

cycheese

Try dairy alternatives

Dairy products, including cheese, are a great source of protein and calcium and can form part of a healthy, balanced diet. However, cheese is also a source of saturated fat, which can increase cholesterol levels. Some people are also allergic to dairy or are lactose intolerant, and so they may need to cut down on cheese or cut it out of their diet completely.

If you are looking to cut down on cheese, there are many dairy-free alternatives to choose from. Nutritional yeast, also known as "nooch", is a popular dairy-free alternative to cheese. It can be used to add a cheesy flavour to dishes such as garlic bread and pasta sauce. It can also be added to other dairy-free cheese alternatives to give them a more authentic flavour.

There are also many plant-based versions of soft cream cheese on the market, which are usually made with soy or coconut milk. These can be easily made at home by soaking cashew nuts overnight and blending them with nut milk and lemon juice. Firm tofu can also be used as a substitute for soft cheese, although it may need extra seasoning as it has a bland flavour.

For those who enjoy harder cheeses, there are also dairy-free alternatives available. Crumbled hard tofu baked with salt and truffle oil can be used as a topping for pasta or other dishes that usually include hard cheese. Brazil nut "parmesan" is another alternative, which can be sprinkled on pasta dishes.

There are also many store-bought dairy-free cheese alternatives available. Teese vegan cheddar is a popular option for sandwiches, paninis, and grilled cheese as it becomes gooey when heated. Boursin also has a dairy-free garlic and herb spread, and Violife and Follow Your Heart both have a range of dairy-free cheeses.

cycheese

Exercise

While cheese can be a nutritious post-workout snack, it's important to consider its fat content. Less-rich cheese varieties, such as Swiss, feta, and low-fat cheddar, can be good options after a workout. These cheeses provide a good amount of protein while being lower in fat. Consuming lean protein, such as fish, for dinner can also be beneficial.

Incorporating cheese into your post-workout routine can be done in a well-rounded and nutritious way. For example, having a small portion of cheese after a workout, followed by a balanced meal that includes lean protein, can maximize the benefits for muscle recovery and growth.

It's worth noting that while cheese can be beneficial after exercise, it should be part of a balanced diet that includes various other nutrient-dense foods. A well-rounded diet ensures you get a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that support your overall health and fitness journey.

Additionally, while cheese provides protein, there are other fast-acting protein sources that may be more suitable during competitions or when multiple workouts are performed on the same day. These sources ensure quicker digestion, allowing you to start your next workout with an empty stomach.

cycheese

Understand your motivation

Understanding your motivation for wanting to cut down on cheese consumption is a crucial first step in achieving your goal. Ask yourself: Why do I want to reduce my cheese intake? Identifying the underlying reasons and motivations will provide a strong foundation for your journey and help you stay focused and committed to your goal.

For some people, the decision to cut down on cheese may be influenced by health reasons. Cheese is a dairy product, and while it can be a good source of protein and calcium, it can also be high in fat and sodium. If you are aiming for a healthier lifestyle, reducing your cheese consumption can be a step towards achieving that goal. Understanding the health implications of excessive cheese intake can be a powerful motivator to make positive changes.

Another common motivation for reducing cheese consumption is lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Many people experience digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, or gas after consuming dairy products, including cheese. If you fall into this category, recognizing and acknowledging the negative impact cheese has on your body can be a strong motivator to make dietary changes.

In addition to health reasons, ethical considerations may also play a role in your motivation. Some individuals choose to reduce their cheese intake as part of a broader shift towards vegetarianism or veganism. This decision may be influenced by concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, or the treatment of animals in the dairy industry. Understanding and embracing these ethical motivations can provide a strong impetus for change.

It's important to note that everyone's motivations are unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Reflect on your personal reasons for wanting to cut down on cheese and be honest with yourself about the impact cheese has on your health, well-being, and values. By understanding your motivations, you can develop a stronger commitment to your goal and increase your chances of success in reducing your cheese consumption.

Frequently asked questions

Eating a lot of cheese can lead to constipation, which is a common issue. To get your digestive tract back on track, increase your water intake, eat fibre, and go for a walk. Fresh fruits and non-starchy vegetables can also help.

Foods with similar creamy textures to cheese, such as avocado, cashew cream, walnuts, and hummus, can help curb cheese cravings. Nutritional yeast, or "nooch," is another option. It has a nutty, cheesy flavor and is commonly used by vegans.

Cheese is addictive due to the dairy proteins it contains, but you can break free from cheese cravings. Start small by picking a few days a week to go cheese-free and gradually increase the number of cheese-free days. Understand that plant-based cheese alternatives are not the same as cheese, and beware of store-bought vegan cheeses loaded with sodium, oil, and preservatives.

Dairy products, including cheese, are linked to various health problems, such as osteoporosis. Cheese also has the highest concentration of casein among dairy products, contributing to its addictive nature.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment