February 23rd, 2010
The American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association recommend a diet containing less than 30 percent of calories as fat. Getting fats from the right sources and in proper amounts doesn’t have to be difficult if you remember a few simple rules:
- Skip the appetizers when you go out to eat. They usually are very high in saturated fat.
- Choose lean meats (chicken, turkey) and fish over red meat.
- Read labels. Avoid foods containing partially hydrogenated oils.
- Eat more plant foods (vegetables, seeds, nuts and grains) and fewer animal products (meats and whole-milk dairy products).
- Use liquid fats (most oils) instead of solid fats (margarine, butter).
- Choose foods that have been sauteed, baked, broiled or grilled instead of fried.
Changing the way you eat doesn’t have to be difficult. The best advice is to learn to associate the foods you eat with how they effect your health instead of how they effect your weight. You will lose unwanted pounds, but without stress and guilt.