The low fat trap
Many of us fall into a low fat trap. Those so called diets aren’t also as healthy as they seem. I have below an interesting article I came across.
Have you fallen into the low fat trap?
These so called diet foods aren’t also as healthy as they seem. Eat smart with our guide
Filling your trolley with foods labelled light or lean might make you feel healthier you read the small print and you could be in for a big fat surprise. Many of us wrongly assume “low fat” low calories or low sugar says Jacqui Lowdon, spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. Research shows that those of us who stick to full fat foods eat smaller meals and snacks less. This is what you need to know.
Stay alert to sugar
“When a manufacture radically reduces the fat in the product, its often replaced with an access of sugar, salt and gums to boost taste”. Says nutritionists and founder of eat write LTD, Sarah Bernard Yoghurts, ice cream styles dairy desserts, crisps and cereal bars are among the worst culprits. In fact thanks to its sugar content your mid morning low fat cereal bar is likely to contain just as many calories as a chocolate bar. And will give you an energy rush that swiftly that quickly turns into a sugar slump adds Bernard instead choice low GI low calories foods like wholemeal bread and fresh fruit which slowly realises sugar into the blood stream.
Watch the wording
Some terms are covered by government regulations a product labelled reduced fat has to contain 25% less fat than a comparable food. “Light or life” means 50% less fat or one third fewer calories. Only a product contains 3g or less of saturated fat per 100g can be labelled low fat. If you’re talking about food like cheese through 25% less fat still adds up to quite a lot. Also watch out for products like farmhouse or home baked says lowdon these are waste words they conjure a picture of something we associate with healthiness but they might not be read the nutritional label
Tallor your choice
Ask yourself what you want in a healthy option.
Ask yourself what you want in a healthy option. Says lowdon if you’re looking for a ready meal but suffer from high blood pressure and are regulating your salt intake sometimes you are better of buying the regular version. For example by eating Sainsbury’s be good to yourself Penne Bolognese, you’ll be indulging in 2.07g or salt per 400g packet – that’s 34.5% of your recommended daily allowance pick up your regular 400g packet of Sainsbury’s Penne Bolognese Bake and you’ll have used only 19.8%
