Question:
I have not lost any weight in 3 weeks, I went to the Dr. and told them what I have be

eating, I have string cheese, and american cheese throughout the day. The nurse said to stop the cheese now. Is it that bad for you?    — [Anonymous] (posted on March 21, 2001)

March 20, 2001
Cheese products are very nutritious foods, high in protein, but also high in sodium. Increased sodium intake can contribute to fluid retention, which in turn can slow down weight loss or cause patients to plateau temporarily. The nurse may have instructed you to eliminate cheese to determine if that would effect the plateau you're experiencing. Also, cheese products can be constipating for some people, and constipation will also cause temporary plateaus. I wouldn't think it is necessary to eliminate cheese from your diet totally or forever, but it can't hurt to see if following her instructions will influence your plateau at this point. Keep your fluid intake up and try to find other food sources of protein that you can tolerate for the time being. Good luck!
   — Diana T.