Is low fat really better for you?

[tobetinytina]

I get that low fat is probably lower in calories in the long run but is it better for you and actually good for weight loss? The only reason I'm asking is because I know that usually when something has been made low in fat, usually they've had to add other stuff to compensate for the flavor they've removed. For instance, I've noticed that when I've compared some regular products to their low-fat alternatives the low fat one tends to be higher in sugar. How is this better?

[lia]

It isn't in all cases. I would say that it's better for your waistline overall, but it's not necessarily healthier, especially in terms of pre-packaged products. Essentially, if you are buying low-fat pre-packaged goods, treat them as you would regular fat ones. Eat them in moderation because you're right, they are still full of other ingredients like sugar to add the flavor that has been taken out. Low fat doesn't mean you can eat more of it.

[brightstar]

I agree with Lia. Low-fat still needs to be consumed in moderation. It's definitely better to choose low-fat dairy instead of regular if you want to reduce weight. That said, you shouldn't simply consume more because it is lower in fat.

[Nelly]

Yes, low fat is better in spite of what you may have heard from other trends or news. Of course you shouldn't eat too much of it because you shouldn't eat too much of anything. That said, remember that ultimately, even if its low fat you should limit how much you consume of pre-packaged foods. None of these things are all that good for you. Do your best to make stuff from scratch with low-fat and low-calorie ingredients for the best results :)

[tobetinytina]

So it's just all about moderation? There's not much more to a low fat diet than that? What do you do if you want to follow a low fat diet that doesn't include the pre-packaged stuff? How do you go about doing that successfully and a healthy way. Is it possible to not consume enough fat and is this unhealthy?

[1000kw]

So it's just all about moderation? There's not much more to a low fat diet than that? What do you do if you want to follow a low fat diet that doesn't include the pre-packaged stuff? How do you go about doing that successfully and a healthy way. Is it possible to not consume enough fat and is this unhealthy?

Honestly, you don't need to necessarily follow a low fat diet. Just eat less fat on the whole and you should be fine.

[Kyra]

Honestly, you don't need to necessarily follow a low fat diet. Just eat less fat on the whole and you should be fine.

Exactly. Pay attention to how much fat you eat. Don't overdo it and you shouldn't have to worry about choosing low-fat unless you really want to. Choose good fats and consume them in moderation.

[jan]

It's definitely better because it's low in fat. But, yeah, it's not an excuse for you to eat more!