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Never before have we had so many fat-free food choices. In our effort to eat healthier diets, consumers have convinced the food industry that tasteful fat-free foods are a sign of the times. Yet many fat-free foods have been around for centuries. Fat-free foods include most fruits and vegetables (excluding avocado and coconut), beans, legumes, most grains, popcorn, salsa, coffee, and tea. Any of these could be included as part of a healthy eating plan.
Other fat-free foods have been available only over the past decade, including fat-free biscuits, crackers, soups, cakes, luncheon meats, ice cream, yoghurt, hot dogs, salad dressing, cream cheese, sour cream, and chips. Package labels now provide us with accurate information on the fat content of foods. It is important to look at portion sizes. Some foods may be considered fat-free in small portions, but if you eat a large amount, the small amount of fat per serving may add up. And although these fat-free items have provided a lower-fat alternative, they also tend to provide a lot of calories (particularly in the form of simple sugars) and little fibre. In fact, many of us who have switched to fat-free products have actually increased the total calories we eat because we are not controlling our portions. TRY TO INCLUDE THESE FAT-FREE FOODS IN YOUR DAILY MEAL PLAN: - non-fat dairy products
- fresh fruits and vegetables
- beans and grains
But remember, anytime more calories are eaten than the body can use, the extra calories are stored as body fat. The key is to eat low fat and HIGH fibre foods. Doing this will help to minimise the total amount of fat and calories you eat. Article #6933 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
