Trans Fatty Foods

Trans fats may contribute to arterial blockages, which increase your risk of heart disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Trans fats may also contribute to obesity. These fats occur naturally in small amounts in certain foods; however, most of the trans fats you consume are artificially produced. Artificial trans fats are made by infusing oils with hydrogen. This converts the oils to solid form, which increases shelf life of the product. Several foods common in the Western world contain trans fats.

Margarine

Most commercially available margarines are high in trans fats, according to Dr. James and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Margarines are typically used as replacements for butter, because they resist spoiling. According to the University of Pennsylvania Office of Health Education, stick margarine contains about 2.8 g of trans fats per tbsp., compared to 0.3 g per tbsp. of butter.

Fast Foods

Many items found in fast food restaurants contain trans fats. Deep-fried foods such as french fries, onion rings, fish fillets and breaded chicken are most likely to contain trans fats. This is because fast food restaurants usually use solid shortening rather than liquid oils for deep frying.

Baked Goods

Baked goods are typically laden with trans fats, according to the University of Pennsylvania Office of Health Education. These include doughnuts, frosted cakes, cookies, pastries and pound cake.

Potato Chips

Potato chips as well as other types of packaged chips often contain trans fats. Choose baked chips instead, which are labeled as having no trans fats.

Frozen Foods

A variety of frozen foods contain trans fats. These include frozen pies, fish sticks, waffles, pizzas and pot pies. Look for baked frozen goods that contain no trans fats.

Dairy Products

Whole milk, cheese and cottage cheese contain small amounts of trans fats. Opt for skim milk, reduced-fat cheeses, dry non-fat milk or fat-free cottage cheese, advises the University of Pennsylvania Office of Health Education.