Determined to lose a few pounds but already feeling cranky and deprived? Take a cheese break. There’s nothing like cheese to make you feel like you’re not on a diet. And there are lots of low-fat varieties -- they’re just not all worth eating. But these 6 are. We know. The RealAge staff taste-tested dozens to find them. What’s more, there’s evidence that the calcium, protein, and other goodies in low-fat cheese (and other low-fat dairy foods) can actually help you lose weight, nourish your bones, lower your blood pressure, and reduce your risk of diabetes. End of bad mood, beginning of new body!
BEST SPREAD
Boursin Light A homerun for cheese fans and garlic lovers alike. Just a schmear of this creamy spread goes a long way on a whole-wheat cracker or slice of baguette.
2/3 tsp: 40 calories, 2.5g fat (1.5g saturated), 3.4g protein, 2% DV calcium
BEST CRUMBLES
Trader Joe’s Fat- Free Feta These moist, cheesy crumbles make a perfect final flourish for a baby spinach salad tossed with berries, walnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette.
1 ounce: 35 calories, 0g fat ( 0g saturated), 5g protein, 10% DV calcium
Treasure Cave Reduced Fat Crumbled Blue Cheese Great on salads and burgers yet has roughly half the fat of regular blue cheese. As with all blues, you must be a fan of salty and stinky to enjoy this one. Lucky for us, we are!
1/4 cup: 80 calories, 5g fat (3.5g saturated), 7g protein, 15% DV calcium
BEST SNACKS
Mini Babybel Light These rounds of creamy, semi-soft cheese are perfect with a handful of grapes and a couple almonds.
1 round: 50 calories, 3g fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 6g protein, 20% DV of calcium
BEST SLICES
Jarlsberg Lite Replace your usual Swiss slices with these thin, deli-style slices -- they have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and an almost sweet aftertaste.
1 ounce: 70 calories, 4g fat, 2g saturated fat, 9g protein, 25% DV calcium
Sargento Reduced Fat Provolone This mild Italian favorite maintains a nice buttery taste with a minimal amount of fat.
1 slice: 50 calories, 3.5g fat (2g saturated), 5g protein, 15% DV calcium
BEST FRINGE BENEFIT
Need another reason (besides fitting into your skinny jeans) to swap full-fat cheese for lower-fat choices? Try this: Eating a diet low in saturated fats (and trans fats too) can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger.
