Big Kahuna List of Cottage Cheese Recipes

If you can tolerate dairy and casein, cottage cheese is a great way to go for a bedtime snack. While research shows that lowfat dairy boosts fat loss, some bodybuilders completely avoid dairy while in cutting phases because they find it slows or halts weightloss. So figure out what works for you.

Full of casein protein (the slower releasing, anti-catabolic kind), cottage cheese has about 100 calories per 1/2 cup, about 15 grams of protein and 5 grams of carbs. But be sure to check the label because cheaper store brands are full of artificial additives and fillers - which often make for a higher carb count and 'off' flavors. I probably don't have to mention this, but don't buy the pre-sweetened, sugar-laden variety.

But you may be wondering, what the heck do I do with this tub of cottage cheese?

• A quick, tasty breakfast or snack is simply a bowl of lowfat cottage cheese, sprinkled with cinnamon/erythritol and walnuts.
• For pudding textures, use the food processor and add flavorings.
• For creaminess in a protein shake, scoop in a few dollops straight into the blender.
• Puree with savory seasonings for a vegetable dip or mix in with your tuna/chicken salad.
  

These "puddings" are great by themselves or scooped into a high protein, low calorie meringue shell.

• Pumpkin Protein Ice Cream
  
• No Bake Pumpkin Pudding
  
• Blueberry Cheesecake Pudding
• Peanut Butter Mocha Pudding
• Quick Pumpkin Pudding
• Almond Pudding

Cottage cheese puddings can also be turned into high protein ice creams by scooping them into your ice cream maker! (I've got a $40 Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker that I use all summer long.) Check out Healthy Indulgences Protein-Packed Low Carb Ice Cream recipe.

Great Cottage Cheese Resources:

• Stumptuous.com - The Cottage Cheese Page
• About.com's Bodybuilding site - Fit Food Cottage Cheese Recipe Page