Bushra Griffith
Slimming World is a UK-based weight-loss organisation that promotes healthy, nutritious, and balanced food. The organisation has a food ranking system that guides members on the amount of food they can consume from each group. In 2018, Slimming World removed reduced-fat soft cheese and sweetened dairy-free milk from its 'Healthy Extras' list, which members can add to their daily food intake. This change sparked disappointment among some members, who argued that soft cheese is a good source of calcium and fiber. Despite this, Philadelphia cheese, a popular soft cheese brand, can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a slimming journey. For example, Philadelphia Lightest has been recommended as a healthy extra by Slimming World, with 110g being free on all plans or 1 syn per 25g.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Philadelphia cheese a healthy extra on Slimming World? | No, it is not a healthy extra on Slimming World. |
| When was Philadelphia cheese removed from the healthy extra list? | 2018 |
| Syns for light and lightest flavors | 2 |
| Syns for original flavor | 1 syn per 25g |
| Syns allowed for Extra Easy SP plan | 10 per day |
| Syns allowed previously for Extra Easy SP plan | 15 |
| Healthy Extra A portions | 2 per day |
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What You'll Learn
Philadelphia Lightest is a healthy extra
According to a Slimming World magazine from 2015, 110g of Philadelphia Lightest is considered a healthy extra on all plans. It can be used in various dishes, such as macaroni with bacon and broccoli, mashed potatoes, pasta, sandwiches, crackers, and meat dishes.
Philadelphia Lightest is a reduced-fat soft cheese, which typically would not be included in the healthy extras list. However, Philadelphia Lightest is an exception due to its nutritional profile. It is a good source of calcium and vitamin A, and it is lower in fat and calories compared to other soft cheeses.
It is important to note that Slimming World's food ranking system and healthy extras list can change over time. The information provided here is based on the sources available and may not reflect the most recent updates. It is always recommended to refer to the official Slimming World website or a Slimming World consultant for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
While Philadelphia Lightest is a healthy extra, other types of Philadelphia cheese may have different classifications. For example, Philadelphia cream cheese in light and lightest flavours typically has two syns, which are considered treat foods with restricted points.
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Slimming World's food ranking system
Slimming World is a weight-loss programme that teaches members to shop for and eat whole, nutritious foods and limit their intake of fatty, sugary, or processed foods. It is the most advanced slimming organisation in the UK, promoting healthy, nutritious, and balanced food for weight loss. The Slimming World eating plan structure follows similar guidelines as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Choose My Plate program, which encourages Americans to fill their plates with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein.
The Slimming World program is designed to support weight loss at a rate of one to two pounds per week. Most experts agree that this is a reasonable and sustainable rate. The Slimming World food ranking system consists of three categories: Free Foods, Healthy Extras, and Syns.
Free Foods are high-nutrient, low-calorie offerings such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Members can eat these foods without limits. However, some experts question whether starchy choices such as potatoes and pasta should be eaten in unlimited amounts.
Healthy Extras are foods that are allowed in moderation. These include foods like cottage cheese, feta cheese, mozzarella, and ricotta. These cheeses can be used in a variety of ways to make meals more satisfying and delicious.
Syns are foods that should be eaten sparingly. These are typically foods that are less filling and higher in calories, such as biscuits, sweets, and alcohol. However, enjoying a small amount of these treats can help members stay on track.
While Philadelphia cheese used to be considered a Healthy Extra, it is no longer on the list. However, Philadelphia Lightest cheese can be used as a Healthy Extra A on all plans, with 110g being free or 1 syn per 25g. This variety of Philadelphia cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, sandwiches, and crackers.
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Soft cheese and calcium intake
Philadelphia cream cheese, in general, has two syns for its light and lightest flavours, making it a slimming spread. The lightest flavour can be used as a sandwich filler, a sauce ingredient, and a spread on crackers. It can also be used in pasta, mashed potatoes, and as a substitute for margarine.
Soft cheese, in general, is not considered a healthy extra on Slimming World. However, it is a good source of calcium and fibre. While soft cheeses tend to have less calcium than harder cheeses, they still contribute to your overall calcium intake. Calcium intake is important as most people aren't getting enough of this mineral.
Low-fat cheeses are still sources of calcium, it’s just less concentrated. For example, a 25-gram serving of partially skimmed mozzarella or marble cheddar is a good source of calcium (21% RDI). Similarly, half a cup of cottage cheese (4% or less milk fat) and 50 grams of ricotta cheese (10% or less milk fat) are sources of calcium, providing about 8% and 12% RDI, respectively. Fat-free cheeses have the least calcium of all cheeses, but you can still get a small portion of your daily intake.
If you are on a dairy-free diet, fortified juices, sardines, and collard greens are among the best sources of calcium available.
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Cream cheese as a dairy substitute
Cream cheese can be used as a dairy substitute for a variety of purposes. It has a low amount of lactose and is a good source of vitamin A. However, it is low in protein and high in fat and calories, so it should be consumed sparingly. Whipped cream cheese is a healthier option, containing significantly less fat and fewer calories than other types of cream cheese.
There are several alternatives to cream cheese that can be used as substitutes, depending on the recipe. Here are some options:
- Sour cream: This is a lower-calorie substitute that replicates the taste of cream cheese. It gives baked goods a light and airy texture while adding creaminess.
- Greek yogurt: This substitute is rich in nutrients such as protein, calcium, and Vitamin B12. You can adjust the richness of your dish by choosing different varieties of Greek yogurt. Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting.
- Neufchâtel: This soft and slightly crumbly cheese originated in Normandy, France, but it is also produced in the US. American Neufchâtel is made with milk, resulting in a fat content that is one-third lower than that of cream cheese. Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting.
- Mascarpone: This Italian cheese has a similar taste and texture to cream cheese. It is made from heavy cream and citric or tartaric acid.
- Cottage cheese: This option is lower in fat than cream cheese but has a chunkier texture. You may want to purée it before adding it to your recipe. If baking or cooking, add some heavy cream or half-and-half to adjust the texture.
- Hummus: Although different in taste, hummus has a similar texture to cream cheese, making it a great substitute, especially for vegan or dairy-free options.
- Vegan cream cheese: Options like silken tofu, almond milk-based cream cheese, soy milk-based cream cheese, and coconut milk-based cream cheese are available. These alternatives offer similar textural benefits and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Regarding Philadelphia cheese specifically, it appears that the lightest variety of Philadelphia cheese was previously considered a free healthy extra on Slimming World, allowing for 110g per serving. However, more recent sources indicate that soft cheese, including Philadelphia, is no longer considered a healthy extra. Instead, it has a Syn value, with two syns per 25g of light or lightest Philadelphia cheese. Despite this change, Philadelphia cheese can still be incorporated into Slimming World plans in controlled portions.
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Syn allowance and treat foods
Philadelphia cheese is no longer considered a healthy extra on Slimming World. In 2018, Slimming World updated its plan to exclude soft cheeses like Philadelphia Light from its Healthy Extra category.
Slimming World's Syn allowance refers to the number of treats that you can eat on a daily basis without jeopardizing your weight-loss efforts. These treats are typically foods that are high in fat and calories and do not contribute to a sense of fullness or well-being. The Syn allowance for the Extra Easy SP plan has been reduced from 15 to 10 per day. This plan is designed to boost weight loss and includes foods that can be consumed without weights, counting, or measuring instruments.
While Philadelphia cheese is not a healthy extra, there are other types of cheese that are free on the Slimming World plan. These include cottage cheese, feta cheese, mozzarella, and ricotta. These cheeses can be used in various dishes to add flavor and satisfaction. For example, cottage cheese can be added to fruit as a snack, while feta cheese can be crumbled over a salad or veggie wrap. Mozzarella and ricotta can be used in lighter versions of classic recipes like lasagna and macaroni and cheese.
In addition to cheese, Slimming World has a variety of other free foods that can be enjoyed without impacting weight loss goals. These include fat-free yogurt, although flavored fat-free yogurt is considered a Syn. It's important to understand how Syn values work and the Syn values of different foods to be successful on the Slimming World plan.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Philadelphia cheese is no longer considered a healthy extra on Slimming World as of 2018.
Some cheeses that are considered healthy extras on Slimming World include cottage cheese, feta cheese, mozzarella, and ricotta.
Philadelphia cheese was removed from the Slimming World healthy extras list because it is low in protein and high in fat and calories.
