There are a variety of foods/ processed foods/ ready to eat foods/ snacks that actually contain a lot of fat. Here now we must know what type of fat is good that we can eat and is good for our health. It is always best to check the fat content written on the packet and the types of fat used and then indulge in eating those types of foods.
Fat is obviously important for the growth and development of the body but it is best to eat ‘good fats’ and eat them in moderate amount. The craze of eating fat free foods are catching up as most of us do realize that eating fatty foods is one of the factors leading to Obesity and other related health problems.
Hence it is best to incorporate fat-free foods that contain less than half a gram of fat per serving in your diet which helps to limit the calorie intake as one gram of fat equals 9 calories, while protein and carbohydrates contain 4 calories per gram, hence fat-free or low fat foods are healthier options of eating.
Now, let’s find out if fat-free foods are good for kids? There is constant concern on Childhood Obesity where most parents are looking out for giving their children different types of delicious, appetizing, nourishing and healthy foods. In fact we all need to know in particular that adults and kids require different amounts of fat in their diets.
Fat is considered an important element of calories that support kids (toddlers) growth. It is stated that there are two types of fatty acids, one the linoleic and second the alpha-linolenic acid which are essential for brain development and the child’s growth. As our bodies do not make these acids, we need to acquire them from different foods.
Children also require some amount of fat from foods to help their bodies use vitamins A, D, E and K, hence do give them the required amount of fats. Childhood is the right time from when you should start inculcating good habits of eating healthy and nutritious foods. As per your child’s weight you need to decide on the right type of foods to give, to keep them healthy and strong. This habit on a long run will keep them “Be Fit. Be Cool”!
Good choice of Fat free foods: Use low fat versions of dairy products as some foods like cheese, margarine, pudding and yogurt contain high amount of fat, including unhealthy saturated fat and cholesterol. Fat free milk does give your kids all the protein and calcium without the unhealthy saturated fat in whole milk.
Do not stop them entirely as they are rich sources of calcium and protein. Avoid packed dairy products that are high in added sugars. Kids starting from the age 2 to teens and adults must have moderate amounts of total fat and low in saturated fat and trans fat.
Right from here itself, give them Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and protein rich foods like Eggs, low-fat milk and tofu which would give them most of the calories needed. Provide a nice handful of nuts that are heart healthy fats, essential fatty acids, iron and traces of minerals and vitamin B and E.
Nuts, dried beans and whole grains are examples of some plant foods that add essential amino acids to our total intake. The purest form of fresh fruits and vegetables has no fat. Most beans and legumes are fat-free. Some of the fat free grain sources are cereals like bran cereals, puffed wheat and rice, creamy wheat cereal.
Fat free grain sources are available in a number of cereals too, such as bran cereals, puffed wheat and rice, and creamy wheat cereal. While cooking a meal, you can use about 2 or 3 tablespoons of healthy fat which will give all the essential fatty acids that we need. Mainly avoid eating deep fried foods, hydrogenated fats etc.
Generally the temptation of eating a fat-free food and snacks will make you eat more and encourage sugar cravings.
Tips for choosing healthy fats:
How much fat should I take per day?
This depends purely on your lifestyle, weight, age etc. It is important to know that the total fat intake should be kept to 20-35 % of calories. Limit the trans fat to just 1 % of calories.
Few appetizing and delicious fat-free recipes include:
Fat free Chutney
Fat free Mix Vegetable Rice
Fat free Mix Vegetable Indian Bread Paratha
Fat free Butter Chicken
Fat free Aloo Gobi Matar
Fat free Sambhar
Fat free Paneer Wrap
Sprouts Salad
You could always reach me at my website for amazing more nutritious recipes and healthy recipes: www.vahrehvah.com
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Enjoy healthy eating and Be Fit. Be Cool!