Shopping Low Fat At The Grocery Store

When you first decide to commit to a low fat meal plan, your trips to the grocery store may seem like a harrowing task. However, there are plenty of foods that you can eat while on a cholesterol-lowering or low-fat diet. Follow these healthy tips the next time you head to the grocery store:

• Always make a list before you go food shopping and stick with it. This will reduce temptation when you shop.
• Look for low-fat or fat-free varieties of your favorite dressings, toppings, and snacks.
• Food labels can be very helpful when shopping for low-fat foods. Be sure to avoid foods that are labeled as having high amounts of saturated fats, trans fats, or foods that are labeled as containing "partially hydrogenated" oils. These foods are guaranteed to raise your cholesterol levels if consumed in high amounts.
• Don’t forget the produce section of the grocery store. Fruits and vegetables can make an excellent snack or meal. Additionally, they are virtually cholesterol and fat free.

_Sources:

Rolfes SR, Whitney E. Understanding Nutrition, 3rd ed 2005.