eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

About

Low-Fat Diet & Weight Loss

Contributor
By Sidney
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

People interested in shedding pounds often wonder about low-fat diets and weight loss. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, people should keep their fat intake to between 20 and 35 percent of their overall diet. However, they caution against consuming less than 20 percent of calories from fat, which presents a higher risk for vitamin E and fatty acid deficiencies. Also, when eating a low fat diet for weight loss, it's important to choose the right foods for optimal health.

    Watching Calorie Consumption

  1. According to the Mayo Clinic, cutting down on foods high in fat can help you lose weight. However, when total calorie consumption isn't monitored, it can lead to weight gain. Calculate your calorie needs by determining how much weight you want to lose. 3,500 calories is equal to one pound of fat. So, if you want to lose one pound each week, cut out 500 calories from your daily intake (500 x 7 = 3,500 calories).

    Also, when cutting out extra calories, consider minimizing your alcoholic beverages. Yes, alcohol is fat free (as long as you don't add cream based mixes), but according to the American Dietetic Association, it contains 70 calories per ounce. Also, fill up on low fat fruits and veggies, which take up space in your stomach--without packing on the pounds.
  2. Low Fat Foods

  3. Stocking your pantry with plenty of low fat foods, and tossing out the junk food, will make weight loss easier. When grocery shopping, buy plenty of whole wheat spaghetti, rice and penne pastas. Also, purchase low-fat soups that are packed with veggies, and fat free broths to make your own low-fat soups. Eat a salad full of dark leafy greens before lunch and dinner, and choose a low-fat or fat-free version of your favorite dressing.

    During snack time, watch your portion sizes. Pre-measure low-fat pretzels, popcorn and crackers into small zip lock bags to minimize calorie consumption.
  4. Foods to Avoid

  5. High fat foods to give up include: gravy, cheese sauce, mayonnaise and all foods that have "partially hydrogenated" on the ingredient list. Also, get rid of tuna and fishes that are packed in oil, and choose fresh water fish instead. Also, give up cream based soups, which are loaded with extra calories and fat grams.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment Post this comment to my Facebook Profile

eHow Article: Low-Fat Diet & Weight Loss

Related Ads

Get Free Health Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

Live Strong Partner
Livestrong_eHow Health