Many people, including me, are afraid of cheese because of its high-fat content. A serving of 1 oz. fresh mozzarella has 4 grams of saturated fats. However, cheese is one of my favorite foods. To resolve my craving for the soft and mild Italian cheese, I decided to make a fresh mozzarella salad with tomatoes and basil the other day. To stay within my strict diet plan, I followed the old wisdom - “everything in moderation”. Below is the recipe for my mozzarella salad:

• three 1/4-inch slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
• a handful of baby arugula
• a handful of freshly cubed tomatoes
• a handful of fresh basil leaves
• a handful of sliced seedless cucumber

Dressing: lime juice
Side dish: 3 slices of 1-inch thick whole wheat baguette

I can’t emphasize enough about the importance of eating in moderation. Although the size of the salad is tiny, you may add an apple or orange to the meal to further enhance the balance of your diet. Since I started eating everything in moderation, I have been able to savor my palate by adding cheese to my dish occasionally. Go ahead, add a serving of sharp cheddar to your healthy omelette (but I better not see any bacon or sausage in it), and you will still feel healthy.