British cheeses to suit waists and tastes!

If you thought that calorie counting and cheese eating didn’t go together then think again! British cheesemakers have developed a range of delicious low fat cheeses that still include all the protein, and minerals associated with cheese but with a fraction of the fat and calories.11-04-2008

These cheeses, which include best sellers like Cathedral City Lighter, Tesco Low Fat Hard Cheese, and Sainsbury’ Half Fat Mature Hard Cheese, still contain all the calcium and protein you would expect in a cheese, but in some cases, only contain 3% fat!
The reduced fat means the cheeses may feel a bit different to the regular versions, but do a great job when it comes to  slicing, grating, or cubing, and taste great in all your healthy favourites including salads, soups and jacket potatoes. The variants include:
Reduced fat – Contains at least 25% less fat, compared to the 34% found in normal hard cheeses. Cathedral City Light, for example, contains just 22% fat and 24% less calories
Half fat – Contains less than half the fat of regular hard cheese, typically around 15% fat and contains 36% fewer calories
Low fat - Contains less than 3% fat and will have half the calories
Nigel White, Secretary of the British Cheese Board, says, “A large number of people looking to lose weight or manage their weight will cut dairy out of their diets to reduce fat intake however by doing so, they also reduce their intake of essential vitamins and minerals found in cheese.
“Lower fat cheeses enable people to reduce their fat intake yet still enjoy British cheese as part of a reduced calorie diet. A half fat hard cheese contains 36 % fewer calories, at least  50% less fat but more protein (24% more) and calcium (11% more) than standard Cheddar.”
For those unable to swap their regular slice of cheese for a low fat variety then why not try opting for something a little stronger? The stronger the cheese the less is required to bring full flavour to your dishes.  Alternatively opt for a softer cheese such as Cornish or Somerset Camembert or Brie.
So if you are begrudgingly cutting cheese out of your diet when looking to lose a few pounds then remember that there are a host of different cheeses to suit different tastes, occasions and waist lines!
For more information about British Cheese in general, please visit www.britishcheese.com
The British Cheese Board aims to increase consumption of cheese in the UK, and cheese made by its members in particular. It also promotes the health and lifestyle benefits of eating cheese, which include the following:
• It is one of nature's most complete foods
• It contains essential nutrients - protein, vitamins, calcium and other minerals
• It is a natural food source
• It is versatile
There are over 700 named varieties of British cheese available, with a British Cheese for every occasion. The British Cheese Board’s members account for a large proportion of cheese produced in the UK. The work of the BCB is supported by British dairy farmers through the Milk Development Council and also by associate members who are involved in the cheese supply chain.
Further information on including cheese as part of a healthy balanced diet can be found at the Food Standards Agency website: www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/nutritionessentials/milkanddairy/