Reduce your fat intake!

From Denise Austin today:

Reduce Your Fat Intake!

Trans fats are man-made fats that are just as bad (if not worse) for your heart than animal fats. Learning to spot — and avoid — foods that contain trans fats is easy if you stick to the following tips from Harvard Women's Health Watch:

* Read labels! Avoid foods with shortening, hydrogenated oil, or partially hydrogenated oil listed in the first few ingredients — they're packed with trans fats!
* Sauté smart! Use canola or olive oil instead of vegetable oil. Remember, fried food labeled "cholesterol free" or "cooked in vegetable oil" can still be loaded with trans fats.
* Go homemade! Packaged breads, soups, cereals, dips, salad dressings, and frozen entrees usually contain hidden trans fats — foods made from scratch don't!
* Figure the fats! Calculate the percentage of trans fats by adding the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat to the saturated fat and then subtracting that total from the product's total fat.
* Spread easy! Soft (or tub) margarine has less trans fats than sticks. Look for spreads labeled "trans-fat-free." Instead of margarine, use olive oil on breads and veggies.