By KIMBERLY LAMBERT
EBCI WIC PROGRAM
Eating too much saturated fat is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. A diet high in saturated fat causes a soft, waxy substance called cholesterol to build up in the arteries. Saturated fat also has a high calorie content which can also increase the chance of obesity.
French fries are a food high in fat and cholesterol that should be eaten in small quantities.
Avoiding a high fat diet not only reduces the risk of heart disease, it also prevents heart attacks, stroke, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Other chronic health problems including type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer can be avoided as well.
Some tips to help limit the intake of high fat foods are as follows:
- Skip the French fries or share a small order of French fries with your child.
French fries are high in fat, calories and have very little nutrition.
- Limit potato chips and corn chips. Choose low fat corn chips and pretzels. Pour a small amount into a bowl and eat. Do not eat out of the bag- it’s too easy to overeat.
- Choose skim or 1 percent milk for your family. These choices have all the calcium as whole and 2 percent milk without the extra fat.
- Eat less bacon, sausage and other high fat meats. Read the label and make healthy choices for your family.
Kimberly is the nutritionist at the EBCI WIC Program.
