There are other problems with low-fat products – they usually loaded with added sweeteners. Low-fat versions of many packaged products contain added sugar or corn syrup that can send your insulin levels soaring and make it easier for your body to store fat. You can avoid this problem by limiting the number of packaged foods you eat. When you do buy something packaged, be sure to choose the full-fat version of these products.
Full-Fat: Peanut Butter
Reduced-fat peanut butter sounds like a good way to save some calories. Low-fat peanut butter may be lower in calories than regular peanut butter, but full-fat is still the better choice. Low-fat versions usually have lots of added sugar to make up for the fat it lacks. Plus, the fat in peanut butter is mostly heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, the kind that helps to lower cholesterol levels. In addition, research shows people who eat nuts enjoy a lower risk of heart disease. For added health benefits, choose almond butter over peanut butter. It has more vitamin E and a greater percentage of healthy fats than peanut butter.
Full-Fat: Yogurt
Low-fat yogurts are a popular item at the grocery store but you’re better off reaching for the full-fat kind instead. Low-fat yogurt is often loaded with sweeteners and starches and things you don’t need like modified corn starch. It’s not a good trade-off. Look for plain, full-fat Greek yogurt instead. It has almost twice the protein and fewer carbs. Greek yogurt is usually lower in sodium too. You can always add berries for a touch of natural sweetness. Stay away from flavored yogurts too. Many have synthetic flavors and colorings.
Full-Fat: Cheese
Yes, full-fat cheese is high in fat and calories but you only need a small amount to feel satisfied, especially if you choose one with a strong flavor. It’s a better choice than low-fat and fat-free packaged cheeses that contain added sweeteners like corn syrup and artificial colorings and flavorings. Yuck! Stick with unprocessed full-fat cheese and eat less of it. Who needs synthetic additives?
Full-Fat: Salad Dressing
Salad dressings are another source of “hidden” sugar, especially when you choose low-fat and fat-free salad dressing in a bottle. When you read the ingredient list, don’t be surprised to find corn syrup or high-fructose corn syrup listed as an ingredient. You need some fat in your salad dressing to help absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E and K from the veggies you’re eating. The best option is to skip the bottled dressings entirely and make your own with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. If you buy a packaged salad dressing, look for one that’s olive oil-based, has a short ingredient list and is as low in sugar as possible.
Full-Fat: Egg Beaters
Egg Beaters may sound like a good option since they’re lower in calories but when you substitute Egg Beaters for whole eggs, you won’t get the benefits of the choline that’s only in the yolk of the egg. Choline is a compound related to the B vitamins that have anti-inflammatory benefits and may be beneficial for your brain. The yolk is also a good source of two antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin that are important for eye health. If you want to lower the calorie content, mix Egg Beaters half and half with whole Eggland’s Best eggs, but don’t miss out on the benefits the yolk offers.
The Bottom Line?
Stick with unprocessed foods as much as possible. When you do buy something packaged, don’t fall into the low-fat trap, especially when it comes to these five items. It’s not worth getting the extra sugar and additives just to save a few calories.
Related Articles By Cathe:
Can Low-Fat Processed Foods Be Worse For Your Health Than The Regular Versions?
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4 Reasons Why Low-Fat Diets Aren’t Best for Weight Loss
Why Eating Low-Calorie Foods Won’t Necessarily Help You Lose Weight
I love White Chocolate Wonderful Peanut Butter by Peanut Butter & Company. Its full fat, but very tasty and doesnt’ have artificial sweetners and more ingredients than a can of hairspray. Its also made with no high fructose corn syrup.
Sounds del,icious, Amanda! I will have to try it! I have a pantry full of different kinds of nut butters. Ever since I got off of the fat free/low fat habit, I have been much more satisfied with my diet and have been able to stay at a healthy weight. I don’t feel deprived anymore. 🙂
I already do that and have learned I can use a lot less and still get lots of flavor. It makes shopping easier too. I noticed that the substitutions for the fat can actually make the calorie per serving count higher too. Everything in moderation. I also drink real beer!
I always eat full fat. I’ve found that low fat usually doesn’t save many calories, and you lose flavor and always ended up with unnecessary fillers. So many people don’t realize that fat is a necessary nutrient….it’s all about choosing the right fats.
I already did all these! I’d rather have a little real than a lot of fake .
Some of us eat egg beaters to lower our cholesterol intake.
Thank you for the tips-I enjoy whole fat yogurt and cheese but have read that milk is different. Is there more sugar in fat free milk? or another nutritional difference besides the fat content?
I all the time used to study article in news papers but now as I am a user of internet so from now I am using net for articles, thanks to web.