American Cheese vs Provolone: Which Cheese is Better for Keto Diet Success?

American Cheese vs Provolone: Which is Better for the Keto Diet?

When following a keto diet, cheese becomes a staple ingredient for many people. But with so many varieties to choose from, how do you know which options fall into the approved keto foods list? American cheese and provolone are two popular picks but is one better suited for keto success?

An Overview of the Keto Diet

The ketogenic or keto diet is a very low carb, high fat and moderate protein eating pattern designed to push the body into a metabolic state called ketosis. In ketosis, the body switches from using glucose as fuel to burning stored body fat and dietary fat for energy instead.

Achieving this fat-adapted state leads to quick, often dramatic weight loss results. It also balances hormones, elevates physical and mental energy, reduces inflammation and more. But in order to reap these benefits, following strict macro guidelines is key.

Keto Macronutrient Guidelines

Experts recommend these general ranges for keto nutrition:

• 75% total calories from fat
• 20% total calories from protein
• 5% total calories from net carbs (total carbs minus fiber)

This amounts to eating mostly foods high in healthy fats like cheese! plus non-starchy veggies and select proteins. Too many carbs will kick you out of ketosis, so cheese choices matter.

American Cheese: What You Need to Know

American cheese gets a bad rap in culinary circles for being overly processed. But is it keto-approved? Lets dig into its nutritional value.

Macronutrients in American Cheese

Per 1-ounce serving, American cheese nutrition typically provides:

• Calories: 90
• Fat: 7g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: less than 1g

With zero carbs and more fat than protein, you might think American cheese is perfect for keto. Not so fast.

The Problem with Processed Cheese

While macronutrient-wise American cheese fits the keto formula, theres more to the story. This popular cheese product is highly engineered and packed with chemicals and additives including:

• Emulsifiers
• Preservatives
• Artificial colors
• Stabilizers
• Fillers

These substances allow American cheese to melt smoothly and last far longer than real cheese. But they arent doing your health any favors especially on keto where you want nutrient-dense whole foods.

The Verdict? Avoid It

For clean eating, the negatives outweigh the positives when it comes to American cheese. There are plenty of less processed cheeses to choose from on keto that provide health benefits without mystery ingredients.

Provolone Cheese for Keto: The Pros

Unlike American cheese, provolone offers full-flavored authenticity. How does it compare nutrition-wise?

Macronutrients in Provolone

In a 1-ounce serving, provolone nutrition typically provides about:

• Calories: 98
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Carbs: Less than 1g

With zero carbs, ample fat and moderate protein, provolone fits the criteria for keto macros. Time to celebrate with a cheese plate, right?

It Has Additional Benefits Too

Beyond macronutrients, provolone offers bonuses like:

• High calcium for bone health
• Vitamin A for healthy vision and cell growth
• Phosphorus which supports energy production
• Powerful probiotics (in aged varieties)

These key micronutrients give you far more nutritional bang for your buck compared to nutritionally-void American cheese.

The Keto Verdict? Dig In!

Made from just 3 all-natural ingredients pasteurized milk, enzymes and salt provolone provides health and flavor. Both part-skim and full-fat versions fit keto macros beautifully.

More Delicious Keto-Friendly Cheese Options

Provolone isnt the only cheese that shines on keto. Expand your palate with these tasty varieties that also happen to be diet-approved.

Mozzarella

With its mild milky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, mozzarella tops keto meals, fat bombs and snacks alike. Part-skim mozzarella contains 1 gram of carb per ounce.

Cheddar

As a hard cheese high in calcium and fat, sharp cheddar rates as one of the best keto cheese options. Just watch portion size, as an ounce still has about 1 carb.

Goat Cheese

Sometimes called chevre, this creamy cheese lends tangy flavor for just 1 carb per ounce. Use goat cheese crumbles to top salads or omelets.

Parmesan

This hard Italian cheese adds a pungent punch and satisfying crunch to everything from courgette fries to cauliflower pizza crust, without the carbs. Parm contains less than 1 carb per ounce.

Blue Cheese

The bold, salty flavor of blue cheese makes it a delicious keto option. An ounce averages around 1 carb.

The possibilities are nearly endless when crafting keto meals and snacks with flavorful, low-carb cheese varieties like provolone and others.

The Bottom Line

Following the keto diet means limiting carbs from sugars, grains and starchy foods. But theres no need to nix cheese, a nutritional rock star on keto. Skip the American cheese aisle in favor of anti-inflammatory probiotic cheeses. With so many delicious whole food options to choose from, your keto journey just got easier and tastier!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.