Seven Ways to Reduce Fat in Your Diet

Perhaps like many of you, I too struggle with my weight and have had the struggle for years. Some have gained victory over fat but some, for various reasons still  have the ongoing battle. We know it is better for our health if we consume less fat, so I think if only for that reason, we should try to reduce the amount of fat in our diet. To avoid health related diseases we should make the effort. The British Heart Foundation has been trying to tell us this for years.

So I’m about to try and convince you of seven really simple ways we can do this.

1. Use semi skimmed milk instead of full fat milk.

Especially for people who consume a lot of milk, on cereal, tea, coffee etc, using semi skimmed milk will definitely go toward the reduction. In fact, after some time of having semi skimmed milk, you could perhaps try skimmed milk. It might be too great a jump to go from full fat milk (whole milk) to skimmed!

2. Cut off fat from meat.

I think you may already know that it is better to grill or bake meat to reduce the fat. Another way to top up the fat reduction is to cut off any visible fat from meat before it is prepared or, indeed, if it is served to you with visible fat.

3. Add more fibre rich foods instead of meat.

When considering cooking stews, casseroles etc, try to reduce the amount of meat you add (reducing the saturated fat content). If it’s the flavour from the meat you are after, you still will have the flavour but in addition some ‘healthy bits’ of protein, minerals and vitamins in things such as nuts, pulses, peas beans etc

4. Quick Fry then grill or bake.

Some just like the taste and texture of fried food so I’ll let you have that. See I’m being kind. But instead of deep fat frying or even frying for a long time, you can do a quick flash fry then place in the oven or grill to finish cooking. Especially if you are just going to try, it is better to try reducing than attempting to go without. We all know what that feels like.

5. Include more healthy soups in your mealtimes.

They tend to be healthier and more filling anyway. In addition, you can make your own so you have more control of what goes in. My favourite, if you ask me, has to have pumpkin and celery in.

6. Choose the fruit version

When you do eat out, when it is time for pudding (dessert) try the fruits rather than the pastry products or cakes. They are healthier. When you go toward the dessert section, have in your head this little verse ‘a moment on the lips, a life time on the hips’. This might deter you from choosing the fatty versions of dessert.

7. Read the label. Food labelling laws have changed a lot and it is now much easier to see the fat jumping out at you! Its not even such a great chore anymore! Honest! So read for yourself and choose the healthier options.

Go on, follow these 7 tips , make the effort and tell me how you get on. Have a happy healthier life.