"Fat-free" products aren't what they're cracked up to be. They can actually cause more harm than good, and knowing the difference between low-fat and fat-free is essential if you want to lose weight.

"Fat-free foods" have to contain less than 0.5 grams of fat, while low-fat foods must contain 3 grams or less, "reduced-fat" products must have at least 25 percent less fat and "light" foods must have either 1/3 fewer calories or 50 percent lessfat, per the USDA.

With fat-free foods, manufacturers often have to add extra sugar, flour, salt and thickeners to give them more flavor, which also adds more calories and can make you gain weight.

What matters, however, is whether you are ingesting good fat vs. bad fat, and that the amount of fat in your overall diet is less than 30 percent. "Good" fat is heart healthy and includes monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and can keep you at a healthier weight. So can eating less saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.

Start losing weight today. Call now for your first appointment.

Source: WebMD.com

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