5 WAYS TO AVOID TRANS FATS
Trans fat has become a buzzword. But do you know what is it and how to avoid it?
Trans Fats exist naturally in small amounts in some meat and dairy products. However, they’re also artificially added to many foods as partially hydrogenated oil, because it spoils more slowly than similar products. While doctors and scientists are not sure exactly how bad naturally occurring trans fats are for you, they do know that artificial trans fats can lead to high cholesterol and a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and even diabetes.
Foods With Trans Fat
1. Fried Foods - Fried foods — like french fries, mozzarella sticks, and fish sticks (depending upon oil used).
2. Margarine - Some kinds of margarine actually contain up to two grams of trans fat per tablespoon.
3. Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer- It's possible that your daily dose of caffeine has also been giving you a daily dose of trans fats.
4. Meat & Dairy - Trans fat occurs naturally in meat and dairy products.
You can avoid trans fat by:-
1. Eat more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lean meats, fish, nuts, and lean poultry.
2. Cut back on consumption of processed foods. Eat these foods less often and in smaller portions.
3. Not all processed foods contain trans fats. When you do eat processed foods, avoid processed foods known to contain trans fats such as chips, cookies, donuts, icing, cakes, biscuits, microwave popcorn, crackers, fried fast foods and frozen pizzas.
4. Read food labels and avoid foods with partially hydrogenated oil listed as an ingredient.
5. Avoid stick margarine and vegetable shortening.
Trans-Fat-Free Alternatives
- Naturally Occurring Oils
- Plant-Based Meat Alternatives
- Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives
- Foods with Monounsaturated Fat and Omega 3 Fatty Acids
