Reduced Fat Foods May Have More Calories
Don't sabotage your diet with reduced fat foods. If you're trying to lose or maintain your weight, it's important to think twice about the claims on food packages. Some food marketers emblazon "REDUCED FAT" on the front of their products, hoping that you'll automatically think "REDUCED CALORIE."
It's important not to make this assumption. In many cases, manufacturers use corn syrup to replace the fats that have been removed. (The syrup may give the product the consistency or taste the fat had provided). The net result: A reduced-fat product that's almost identical in calories to the full-fat version.
Your ultimate protection against being misled: the Nutrition Facts labels. The next time you're about to reach for a reduced-fat product, turn the package over and compare its nutrition label to that of the traditional, full-fat version. Then you'll see for yourself whether or not you're getting fewer calories.
