Fats and sugars, a healthy diet means eating and drinking less of these sorts of foods

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 23 Jul 2004 - 15:00 PDT

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What foods should we be eating less of?

FOODS CONTAINING FAT:

-- Margarine, butter, other spreading fats and low fat spreads
-- cooking oils
-- oil-based salad dressings
-- mayonnaise, cream
-- chocolate
-- crisps
-- biscuits
-- pastries
-- cakes
-- puddings
-- ice cream
-- rich sauces and gravies.

FOODS AND DRINKS CONTAINING SUGAR:

-- Soft drinks
-- sweets (USA - candy)
-- jam and sugar
-- cakes
-- puddings
-- biscuits
-- pastries
-- most ice cream.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN NUTRIENTS?

As well as fat, including some essential fatty acids, foods containing fat also provide some vitamins. Some products also contain salt or sugar.

Some food and drinks containing sugar also provide minerals and some provide fat.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I BE EATING?

Eat foods containing fat sparingly and look out for the low fat alternatives. Foods and drinks containing sugar should not be eaten too often as they can contribute to tooth decay.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Cut down on food that is high in saturated fat or trans fats.

Food high in saturated fat includes meat, sausages, meat pies, hard cheese, butter, cakes, pastries, biscuits and food containing coconut or palm oil.

Trans fats are found in food containing hydrogenated vegetable oil such as some types of biscuits, cakes, fast food, pastry and margarine. Many manufacturers of margarines and spreads have reduced trans fats in their products to extremely low levels.

Generally people eat a lot more saturated fat than trans fats. It's important to try to eat less of both.

Choose foods that are rich in unsaturated fats instead, such as oily fish, avocados and sunflower, rapeseed and olive oils.

Remember we should also try to reduce the total amount of fat we eat, so choose low fat alternatives where available.

Have any food and drink containing sugar mainly at mealtimes to reduce your risk of tooth decay.

See Also:
Nutrition research

Food Standards Agency, UK