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Cutting out the Fat
Trimming Fat from Your Diet
By Crystal Patriarche
So look for safflower oil or canola oil in your diet, but watch out for hydrogenated oils, she says. "Look at the label for ingredients," Levine says. "If hydrogenated fat is way down on the list, that's better and you are getting far less than if it's one of the first ingredients."
Fat creeps its way into your diet in many different ways – chips, popcorn at the movies, red meats, salad dressing, mayonnaise, butter, sweets and even coffee drinks.
The recommended fat intake in a woman's diet varies by individual, but is roughly 50 to 60 grams per day, Levine says. That is about 25 to 30 percent of calories. "Balanced with protein and carbs, that is a very healthy way to eat," she says. "Many individuals can lose weight on 1,600 to 1,800 calories per day."
So instead of crash dieting and cutting out all fat and all your favorite things, try some simple ways to cut fat here and there to help you work your way to a healthier diet.
"I like to say prioritize fat," Levine says. "Being too all or nothing when it comes to food is just too hard. You can have a hamburger for lunch one day, just skip the fries."
Levine suggests if you eat a scone and drink a latte for breakfast, then commit to having a good lunch and dinner. Prioritize and check in with yourself on how often you are eating these types of foods, she says. "Don't double or triple up on fat," she says. "Cheese is already high in fat, so don't add more by putting meat on your pizza. Try sticking to mushrooms, peppers, olives, broccoli or tomatoes."
