In each gram of fat you eat, you consume nine calories and calories are what is linked to weight gain. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, focusing on eating healthy fats, such as monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fats, rather than low fat foods is more important to maintaining healthy weight and preventing disease. Also, some processed foods have increased in sugar content so that they can be reduced in fat. Stick to foods that are naturally low in fat.
Meat Alternatives
Many meat products such as ground beef, hamburger, sausage, hot dogs, bacon and some forms of chicken are high in fat, but there are low fat alternatives. These low fat alternatives are generally made with soy protein, wheat protein, brown rice or beans. In addition to being low in fat fake meat alternatives do not contain significant amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol that is found in meat products.
Fake meats are made to taste and replace real meat in recipes and meals. There are fake meats versions of all types and forms of meat and the majority of these can be found at local grocery stores. Occasionally substitute fake meat products for real meat in your favorite recipes and you will have a low fat alternative.
Green Vegetables
Green vegetables generally contain limited amounts of fat and most contain no fat at all. Fat is often added to vegetables to make them more favorable to eat. Keep vegetables low in fat by avoiding using bacon, grease or butter in the cooking process and do not dip your vegetables in high fat dips, such as ranch. If you want to add flavor to you vegetables, but keep them low in fat use small amounts of olive oil sprinkled with herbs and spices.
All vegetables contain significant amounts of vitamins, minerals and fiber, but some contain more than others. Try adding highly nutritious vegetables such as broccoli, kale, seaweed and spinach to your diet.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are considered to be super foods because they offer a significant amount of nutrients and are low in calories. The amount of fat contained in sweet potatoes is minimal and the beta carotene and fiber content is high.
Sweet potatoes become high in fat when they are made into sweet potato casserole or flavored with butter.
Low-Fat Milk Products
Products made with low-fat milk or skim milk contain low amounts of fat, especially when compared to whole milk products. Whole milk contains significant amounts of saturated fat and the American Heart Association recommends that because of this whole milk products should be limited. Products that can be made with low-fat milk include cheese, milk, yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese and baked goods.
Sorbet
Ice cream is generally high in fat and a possible low fat alternative is sorbet. Sorbet is frozen and has a creamy consistency similar to ice cream, but is made with fruit syrups. When going out for ice cream, you can order sorbet for an alternative that is low in fat. Sorbet can be found at most ice cream shops.
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