Healthy cheeses

Dairy is a notorious diet killer. Hefty whole milk made cheeses especially can tack on hidden calories to your meals.

Notorious for its high concentration of calcium, cheese also contains protein, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A, riboflavin and vitamin B12.

“Nutrition Action” a healthy mini magazine that made its way to my home this month, included an extensive guide to picking the best cheese for your figure. The magazine ranked cheeses in seven categories from least to most saturated fat, sodium and calories. Here are the top picks in each field:

Finding cheese that works with your diet is possible with a little label studying. Get the best bang for your buck and bring home a calcium rich cheese that’s low on the calories and saturated fat.

Daily Limits (for a 2,000 calorie diet): Saturated + Trans Fat: 20 grams. Sodium: 1,500 milligrams. Calcium Daily Value: 1,000 milligrams.