What is low-fat living?
Low-fat living is limiting the amount of total fat in your daily diet. See the box on the next page to help you determine the approximate fat limit that is healthy for you.
Don’t calories count anymore?
Yes, but fat is the most concentrated source of food energy (calories). Each gram of fat supplies about 9 calories compared with about 4 calories per gram for protein or carbohydrates and 7 calories per gram for alcohol.
One caution: Any food can be "fattening" if you eat enough of it. Even foods promoted as low in fat provide calories. You may be tempted to eat more of a food because it is low in fat. This may result in your getting as many calories from the low-fat version as from the regular version of the food.
So how do I start low-fat living?
First, take a look at how much fat you already eat. Fill in the blanks on the "How do you score on fat?" chart. If you find that you are eating more fat than you thought, see the next section for ways to cut down on the fat in your diet.
Lesson Contents
I. Introduction
II. Is Your Weight Healthy?
III. Are Your Blood Fat Measurements Normal?
IV. What is Low-Fat Living?
V. How do I Reduce My Fat and Cholesterol Intake?
VI. References
