Low-Fat Diets

Because fats have more than twice as many calories per gram than carbohydrates and proteins, eating too much fat is a major cause of weight gain. For people avoiding fats to control their weight and to improve their overall health, avoiding high-fat foods is a major goal.

Dairy products are a significant source of fats in many foods. Use low-fat dairy products such as skim milk, buttermilk, fat-free yogurt, and low-fat cheese in place of their full-fat equivalents. Use less fat overall, both as a recipe ingredient and as a cooking medium. Rely on leaner cooking methods, such as broiling, grilling, baking, roasting, simmering, and steaming instead of deep-frying and pan-frying. If sautéing techniques are essential, use as little cooking fat as possible.