While I know it will be argued until the end of time I want to state an ‘opinion’ right off the bat. I firmly believe it is ultimately better for you to eat a low fat meal than to subscribe to a ‘no’ fat meal. You’re body can deal with a modest amount of fat and the fillers in no fat may pose other challenges you don’t need.

Well, OK, now I feel better.

I’m sure you are already an expert in fat, but if not let me just explain that there are good fats and bad fats. This is why ‘transfat’ (very bad fat) has been effectively eliminated from diets (although even when it says 0 grams there are still trace amounts)

Bad Fats

Saturated fats are the kind to avoid, but face it, you will find them in candy bars, baked goods and meat products. You can’t seem to get away from them. The bad news is saturated fats add risk for various diseases (including cardiovascular).  These fats are common so it can take some extra work from you to find alternatives.

Good Fats

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are the desirable fats – that’s right I said DESIRABLE. Here’s why. They reduce disease risk, lower bad cholesterol levels and raise good cholesterol levels. These fats are found in things like nuts, plants and fish.

Soooo, Ditch the Steak?

Not necessarily, but look for lean cuts and don’t make this your regular meal. You don’t need to sacrifice the tastes you enjoy, just find ways to temper the craving. For instance instead of a thick steak and baked potato (with butter, sour cream bacon bits and cheese) you might consider kabob cuts interspersed with tomatoes, bell peppers and mushrooms.

Conscientious Cooking

Check the labels.

Many people can graduate from whole mike to 2% and eventually to skim without feeling as if they are being deprived

Low fat cheese can be introduced

Used shaved almonds in your salad

Check the labels on the meats you buy to select the leanest cuts

Consider substituting steak and burgers with turkey and chicken

Add fish to your vocabulary

Use low fat butter or a spread that contains NO transfats

In the Kitchen

Well, nothing’s really changed. You can use the same cooking ware and the same recipes (modified to meet your new objectives).

When we eat is not called comfort food for nothing. There really is something about consuming a satisfying meal. The joy of low fat cooking is the you can feel better about it.

Overall Reasons to Adjust

There are times your life where you splurge in the calorie count and eat foods that taste good, but may not be the healthiest for you. As you get older those times tend to be fewer and farther between. As your metabolism slows so too does your bodies fat cells in accepting the fuel you send through the system. This means you have higher blood glucose levels in your blood stream creating an environment conducive to the development of diabetes and heart disease.

By finding a means to reduce the fat in your diet and engage sound weight management you can allow your body to function they way it was designed to with less difficulty.

Don’t abandon the kitchen – make the kitchen work for you in a healthy love affair with food that leaves little guilt.