The Healthy Extra 'a' Allowance for The Laughing Cow
For members of Slimming World, the Healthy Extra 'a' (HeA) allowance provides essential calcium from dairy products like milk and cheese. The number of portions you can enjoy varies depending on the specific type of cheese. When it comes to The Laughing Cow, both the Light and Lightest triangles are popular choices, but they have different allowances based on their fat content.
Laughing Cow Light Triangles
The Laughing Cow Light triangles are a reduced-fat option, and as such, you can have a specific number for your HeA. The official allowance for The Laughing Cow Light triangles is five triangles for one Healthy Extra 'a' choice. These are perfect for spreading on a Ryvita (a Healthy Extra 'b' choice) or enjoying as a creamy snack on their own.
Laughing Cow Lightest Triangles
For those seeking an even lower-fat option, The Laughing Cow Lightest triangles are the answer. With a creamier taste and fewer calories per portion, the allowance is more generous. You are permitted to have six of The Laughing Cow Lightest triangles for a single Healthy Extra 'a'. This makes them a very popular and versatile choice for many on the plan.
Other Laughing Cow Varieties
Not all Laughing Cow products are a Healthy Extra 'a' choice. The original full-fat version of The Laughing Cow is not on the HeA list and must be counted as Syns. It is always best to check the latest guidance via the Slimming World app, especially for newer products like the plant-based varieties, to ensure you are counting them correctly.
Combining and Splitting Your Allowances
One of the most flexible aspects of Food Optimising is the ability to split your Healthy Extras. This means you don't have to use your full HeA allowance on just cheese. For example, if you want some Laughing Cow triangles and also need milk for your tea, you can use a portion of your HeA for each. To do this, simply measure out the fractions of your allowance. For instance, you could have three Lightest triangles (half an HeA) and then have 175ml of skimmed milk (the other half of your HeA). Always measure to be precise and safeguard your weight loss.
Comparison of Laughing Cow Varieties
| Feature | Laughing Cow Light | Laughing Cow Lightest | Laughing Cow Original |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Extra 'a' Allowance | 5 triangles | 6 triangles | Not a Healthy Extra 'a' |
| Syn Value per Triangle | Approximately 1.5 Syns | Less than 1.5 Syns | Counted as Syns |
| Key Benefit | Reduced fat option | Lowest fat and calorie option | Creamy, full-fat taste (Synned) |
| Calories per Triangle (approx.) | 23 kcal | 17-19 kcal | Varies, higher fat |
Using Laughing Cow Triangles in Your Diet
Incorporating these creamy cheese triangles into your daily meals can be both delicious and satisfying. Here are some ideas:
- Quick Snacks: Spread them on high-fibre crackers or crispbreads from your Healthy Extra 'b' allowance.
- Meal Additions: Melt them into a pasta sauce or soup to add creaminess without using high-Syn cream.
- Breakfast Boost: Pair a few triangles with chopped vegetables for a savoury and satisfying breakfast.
- With Veggies: Enjoy with celery sticks, cucumber, or peppers for a healthy and crunchy snack.
Conclusion
For those following the Slimming World plan, knowing the correct allowances for different products is key to success. The number of Laughing Cow triangles you can have for a Healthy Extra 'a' depends on the variety: five for the Light and six for the Lightest. By understanding these differences and learning how to incorporate them flexibly into your daily allowances, you can enjoy these tasty cheese portions while still achieving your weight loss goals. Remember to always measure your portions and consult the official app for the most up-to-date information. For the latest on the Food Optimising plan, consult the official Slimming World website.
Other Healthy Extra 'a' Cheese Options
- Mini Babybel Light: 3 cheeses count as an HeA.
- Dairylea Light Triangles: 4 triangles count as an HeA.
- Light Mozzarella: 70g of light mozzarella is an HeA.
- Reduced-Fat Feta: 65g of reduced-fat feta is an HeA.
- Reduced-Fat Cheddar: 40g of reduced-fat cheddar is an HeA.
Key Takeaways
- Allowance Varies by Type: The number of triangles depends on whether you choose the Light or Lightest variety.
- Light Triangles: You can enjoy 5 Laughing Cow Light triangles for one Healthy Extra 'a'.
- Lightest Triangles: The allowance for the Lightest triangles is slightly higher at 6 per Healthy Extra 'a'.
- Originals Aren't HeA: The full-fat Original Laughing Cow triangles are not a Healthy Extra 'a' and must be counted as Syns.
- Splitting is Possible: You can combine part of your Laughing Cow allowance with other Healthy Extra 'a' options like milk.
- Vegan Option: The plant-based version also has a specific Healthy Extra 'a' allowance, so check the latest guidance.
- Measure Carefully: Always measure your portions accurately to protect your weight loss progress.
