Diet Basics
New York City, Disney and recently Starbucks have banished trans fats from their menus. Commonly found in cookies, candy and cake but trans fats also lurk in less obvious places. Registered dietician, Felicia Stoler, host of TLC's "Honey, We're Killing the Kids," helps ferret out foods that have a healthy rep they may not deserve. By Liz Neporent
Sinister Snacks
Transfats are a potent form of fat that increases the "bad" (LDL) cholesterol in the blood while depleting the "good" (HDL) cholesterol.
Nutrition bars may seem like healthy on-the-go munchies but the ones that have a candy-like coating are likely to harbor trans fats. To trim one or two grams of the heart hardeners from your diet, read the label and look for ones without partially hydrogenated oils even if theyre labeled trans fat free.
More Diet Help
Microwave Menace
Think popcorn is more virtuous snack than chips? Not necessarily. Surprisingly, one serving of microwave popcorn can deliver six grams or more of trans fats. The good news is that major brands like Orville Redenbacher's will be introducing trans free varieties later this year. In the meantime, check labels carefully.
Mean Oils Over Greens
A wholesome salad becomes a nutritional nightmare when you douse it with a dressing that lists hydrogenated oil as an ingredient. Even if theres up to .49 grams of the stuff per serving a product can still be labeled trans-free but this amount can quickly add up.
New York City, Disney and recently Starbucks have banished trans fats from their menus. Commonly found in cookies, candy and cake but trans fats also lurk in less obvious places. Registered dietician, Felicia Stoler, host of TLC's "Honey, We're Killing the Kids," helps ferret out foods that have a healthy rep they may not deserve. By Liz Neporent
Cereal Killers
Don't sabotage the most important meal of the day. Steer clear of highly processed, super sugary cereals which can spoon out plenty of saturated fats and up to six grams of trans fats per bowl. Theyre a bad deal all around.
New York City, Disney and recently Starbucks have banished trans fats from their menus. Commonly found in cookies, candy and cake but trans fats also lurk in less obvious places. Registered dietician, Felicia Stoler, host of TLC's "Honey, We're Killing the Kids," helps ferret out foods that have a healthy rep they may not deserve. By Liz Neporent
Deli Devils
Foods prepped on the premises are exempt from food labeling laws so unless you live in a large city that has, or is considering, a trans fat ban you may be unwittingly consuming a ton of them. Most likely offenders include freshly baked muffins, fatty deli meats and ready-made offerings.
Cooking Culprits
Next time you grease a pan to scramble an egg, consider this: The average American gets 4% of his trans fat from home prepared foods. One tablespoon of stick margarine contains 2.5 grams of trans fat while a tablespoon of shortening packs a whopping 4 grams.
Frozen Fiends
Many brands of frozen fish sticks are swimming in up to 3 grams of trans fats per serving. And thanks to their flaky crusts, some chicken pot pies are for the birds too (up to 6 trans fat grams per half pie.) Other seemingly guilt free yet trans loaded frozen food choices include waffles, pizzas and even some vegetarian entrees.
More Diet & Fitness
Get the Diet & Fitness Newsletter
Find the Right Diet
Hollywood's Hottest Diets
See What Others Are Eating
