Eating healthier can start today. No, we didn't miss the deadline. Any day is a good day to eat healthy, even if we didn't yesterday or even if we "pigged out" on our last meal. Each time we choose a healthier food alternative, we have helped our bodies and deserve to pat ourselves on the back.

So speaking of eating healthier, let's look at cottage cheese - the cheese with a slightly tangy taste and lumpy curd. Truth be told, I love cottage cheese. Greater news is that it is good for us. Even if we don't care for the taste of cottage cheese by itself, it can be added to many recipes, much like buttermilk or sour cream. It adds a creamy texture to recipes and it also contributes to our calcium and protein intake.

In fact, many people have a carton in their refrigerator this time of year as a weight loss tool. This is because cottage cheese is low in fat, low in calories and high in protein. One half cup of regular cottage cheese contains 110 calories, 12 grams of protein and 4.5 grams of fat. Low fat and non-fat varieties are also available. Non-fat cottage cheese has an even higher content of protein, a whoop'n 15 grams per half a cup, making it an even better choice for weight loss.

Cottage cheese also has lycopene, Vitamin A, C, D, K and many of the B vitamins as well. It is rich in minerals that include potassium, Calcium, Copper, Zink and Magnesium.

Now some of you are saying "I hate cottage cheese." Well, it's the same thing with buttermilk. Some people drink it by the glass-full but I'm guessing that most people can't stand it by itself. But use buttermilk in a recipe and virtually everyone will love what it can do for the texture and taste of a recipe.

Here are a few ideas on how to use cottage cheese to add flavor and nutrients to our recipes:

The next time you make chili, add 1 cup of cottage cheese. It will not be lumpy but creamy. You might want to add ground turkey instead of hamburger making it even more low fat and healthy. (I'm serious about this!)

The next time you scramble eggs, add a tablespoon or two while cooking. UMMM, creamy and delicious!

Cottage cheese can be used in your blender when making your smoothie instead of yogurt for a bit of a change.

Cottage cheese pancakes are the bomb! High in protein and fiber! This is a great way to jump start your day.

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

1 cup cottage cheese
3 beaten eggs
1 small bananas (mashed)
1 cup uncooked oatmeal
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix in all listed ingredients in a blender except for the oatmeal. It's just best to add the oatmeal last.

Help on downloading recipes

This recipe is super easy and good for you. It's one I keep in my Cook'n Recipe Organizer. Pull up the nutritional analysis and see for yourself how healthy this recipe is. This one has it all!