"We've gotten fat on low-fat products."

xsabrinalynn

While reading different blogs, (http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/04/15/mini-pledge-week-6-no-low-fat-lite-or-nonfat-food-products/), I stumbled upon this:

"The forty-year-old campaign to create low-fat and nonfat versions of traditional foods has been a failure: We’ve gotten fat on low-fat products. Why? Because removing the fat from foods doesn’t necessarily make them nonfattening. Carbohydrates can also make you fat, and many low- and nonfat foods boost the sugars to make up for the loss of flavor … You’re better off eating the real thing in moderation than bingeing on “lite” food products packed with sugars and salt." Quoted from Michael Pollans book, Food Rules.

What are everyones thoughts on this? Everything in moderation? Or do you stick with low-fat, non-fat and light products?

caraiselite

low fat doesn't work. you need fat in your diet!




stop eating processed foods.
???
profit.

loneworg

fat doesnt make you fat, carbs dont make you fat. Eating to much and not moving enough makes you fat.

wgn4166

I have seen a few people get fat off of "Fat Free Foods." If is says fat free or low fat, that doesnt mean you can eat 4 servings. (That's what my friend does.)

ShannonMpls

What are everyones thoughts on this? Everything in moderation? Or do you stick with low-fat, non-fat and light products?

Not EVERYTHING in moderation. That's not what Pollan preaches - as he says in your quote, the REAL thing in moderation. I follow his principle as much as I can: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.

I still have treats, and I'll still eat skimmed milk products as long as they don't have added stabilizers, sugars, and carbs. So, 0% Greek yogurt I'll eat. Low-fat butter? No way. That's an oxymoron.

cmeade20

Depends. I have skim milk and fat free yogurt. But a lot of fat free and diet products (diet tonic, fat free kraft singles, low fat mayo etc) I know really arent nutritious foods so I just don't bother with them. Some things like cheese I have just regular real cheese in small portions. Other stuff like tonic I can live without.

TheArmadillo

I read the ingredients.

Total 0% greek yoghurt? Fine, the only one I can find that isn't bulked out with sugar.
I also have a 0.2% fat cream cheese that is good.
But you do need fat in your diet (and I do have plenty )
TBH I tend to avoid processed foods that are bulked out with anything that I wouldn't use making the same thing - that goes for low-fat or full fat.

But yes, low-fat can be misleading when people assume it is the same as 'healthy'

wackyfunster

fat doesnt make you fat, carbs dont make you fat. Eating to much and not moving enough makes you fat.

This.

xsabrinalynn

TBH I tend to avoid processed foods that are bulked out with anything that I wouldn't use making the same thing - that goes for low-fat or full fat.

I like that. I never thought to look at processed foods that way.

Tikichic14

http://www.foodandtechconnect.com/site/2012/01/26/infographic-of-the-week-carbs-are-killing-you/

Meggles63

I find that foods that are made "low-fat" with the possible exception of milk, tend to be less satisfying...fat helps with satiety. Thus, it becomes easier to either eat too much of them or eat too much of other foods looking for that feeling of satiety.

geekyjock76

To hell with Fage 0%/2% Greek Yogurt and 2% Cottage Cheese, give me the whole fat varieties! Whole fat greek yogurt is like a thick whipped cream - its so good.

BR3ANDA

I tend to go with low sodium & no sugar added stuff if I buy processed foods, low-fat items tend to be high in added sugar and salt to boost the flavor. Mostly I have been making healthy changes, like whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats, and I try to make sure that no more than 35% of my calories come from fat, but my biggest help so far has been portion size.