I wondering what everyone's take was on free fat foods. Whenever I look at the ingredients list on one of these I get disgusted. On one hand they don't have fat which is good for fat loss, but on the other hand, in order to keep the taste and appearance, they are full of artificial crap that who knows what other damages they cause in lieu of that eliminated fat. :dreamy:

If you are not sure what I'm talking about, grab a box of regular cottage cheese and compare it with the fat free version of the same brand. The ingredient list is usually twice as long with things I can't even pronounce. :confused:

Don't get me wrong, I'm just like the next guy/gal here on the forum. I want to lose fat and maintain a healthy lifestyle. But one must wonder whether those are REALLY good for us.

Thoughts?

On one hand they don't have fat which is good for fat loss...

There's the problem right there. People think low fat food=better to lose body fat. It's just not true.

The only "problem" with fat in general is that it's calorically dense so it's easier to overeat. I think the fat phobia of the 80s and 90s and the results on the population in the US is pretty indicative of how just avoiding fat isn't the right answer.

In my personal experimentation, my most effective way I've found to lose body fat is to up protein and fat and lower carbs in my diet, while monitoring overall calories. The carbs I do best on in these circumstances are the less processed types...veggies, oats, whole grain stuff...

Everybody is different, though. Some handle the carbs better than others.

But I think if more people would increase their nutritional education above just looking for "low fat" junk foods, they'd have more success in staying lean.

I agree with Manly-boy. You shouldn't excise fat from your diet, you should just make sure you are getting the right type of fat instead.

Often times, and particularly with dessert type foods, they will up the amount of sugar in it to try and make up for the compromised taste associated with removing the fat. Low fat foods (that have had fat removed) are not necessarily healthier, and in fact, are often less healthy.

You're reading the label so that is good. I generally say that a diet should be defined more by what you eat than what you don't eat. Obviously some things like fat free milk is probably a good idea if you are cutting but other things like fat free ice cream can be hit or miss depending on what is in it. Of course fat free apples are always good :)

I try for whole foods, personally. My diet consists of lean meats, veggies (organic, but that's another thread altogether), and some healthy fats, like natty peanut butter or almonds. So, fat free, for me, is not part of my diet. In order to keep the taste, they have to make up for it elsewhere to make it low/lower fat.

I try for whole foods, personally. My diet consists of lean meats, veggies (organic, but that's another thread altogether), and some healthy fats, like natty peanut butter or almonds. So, fat free, for me, is not part of my diet. In order to keep the taste, they have to make up for it elsewhere to make it low/lower fat.

What about dairy products? (where I can see the most impact)