Low-Fat Food: What is it anyway?
It’s time to debunk health claims, starting with the secrets about low-fat foods.
According to Wikipedia, “A low-fat diet is one that restricts fats and often saturated fat and cholesterol as well. Low-fat diets are intended to reduce diseases such as heart diseases and obesity.” For many of us, dairy products such as yogurts and cheeses, as well as desserts labeled “low-fat” are our first picks. But are these products really better for us? Do we even know what we are putting into our bodies? Many health-conscious parents believe that low-fat snacks are better for their children, but don’t allow the fancy label to fool you! What does the ingredient list tell you
For a food to be labeled as low-fat:
The product must contain a maximum of 3 grams of fat per serving. To substitute for this staple ingredient, however, sugar is loaded in to add taste and flavor. This increases your caloric intake, leaving you with lower fat, but higher sugar. Looking to lose-weight? The words “low-fat” may not help you succeed on your healthy journey because the added sugar and calories will make you fall short of your goal.
The Importance of Fats
Remember that “fat” is not an evil word. We need fats to stabilize our bodies and to ensure that we are getting the proper nutrients our bodies need to do their jobs. Furthermore, the fats we eat directly help us digest vital vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. If you have a fat deficiency in your diet, your body’s immunity and ability to cure itself may be at risk.
To learn more, check out BBC’s Good Food blog:
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/truth-about-low-fat-foods
The secret to healthy eating is moderation and choosing what foods and fats are needed to sustain yourself. Healthy fats from fish, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils are always good picks.
Choose Your Fats Wisely…
The popular Health.com website provides a helpful list in its “9 Low-Fat Foods You Shouldn’t Eat” post. Getting back to all you health-conscious parents out there, fat-free yogurts make the naughty list. They proclaim that “Fat-free yogurt often contains artificial colors, added flavors and stabilizers, and more sugar to make it more palatable and eye-pleasing.” Read more at http://www.health.com/food/9-low-fat-foods-you-shouldn-t-eat#fat-free-yogurt
The next time you’re strolling down the aisles of your local grocery store, remember the importance of reading ingredient lists. You can now make more informed and health-aware decisions regarding the snacks and meals you place in your shopping cart.
-Talya Hyman
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