Big Fat Hints for Low-Fat Eating

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Desserts, sweets and treats

Dessert doesn’t have to be synonymous with cream, sugar, or chocolate. When it comes to sweet treats, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose low-fat puddings, low-joule jelly or diet desserts in place of full-fat versions
• Use low-fat yoghurt in place of ice cream – low-fat vanilla yoghurt is great with cakes that are traditionally served with ice cream or cream
  
• If you do have the occasional rich dessert treat, limit portion size to keep fat intake down
• Choose dark chocolate rather than milk or white, as it's higher in antioxidants
• Choose hard lollies, jubes, or jellybeans over higher-fat chocolate or caramel treats
• Nibble on fresh or dried fruit for a low-fat snack

Vegetables and fruits

Choose fresh vegetables without added fats like butter

Almost all fruits and vegetables are number-one choices when it comes to low-fat foods. Even avocados, which are high in fat, are fine because the fat they contain is good for your heart. Avocados make a great addition to salads and sandwiches, and can also be used as a spread for bread, toast, or crackers.

The “fat trap” with vegetables is in the way they are cooked or served. At home, or eating out, pay attention to the “packaging” of your vegetables.

Try these tips as well:

• Add a tablespoon of light sour cream (6g fat) or low-fat natural yoghurt (1g fat) instead of one of butter (16g fat) to your potato
• Sauté your vegetables in a non-fat cooking spray and lemon juice instead of butter or oil
• Have your salad dressing on the side