Convenience foods are fast food. They are processed foods that are often used for a quick meal at home or on the go. Many of these foods contain high amounts of trans fat, so you need to be careful.
Trans fat, also known as partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, is commonly found in convenience food. It is manufactured by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil. Hydrogenated vegetable oil is the cooking oil used to fry foods; this oil is cheap and has a longer shelf life.
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Trans fat, like saturated fat and cholesterol, raises the LDL (bad) cholesterol that increases your risk for heart disease. Trans fat also lowers the HDL (good) cholesterol that helps to decrease your risk for heart disease. It's been estimated trans fat prematurely kills 30,000 to 75,000 Americans a year.
The American Heart Association guidelines advise people to limit trans fat to 1 percent of their daily calories. This equates to about 2 grams for a 2,000-calorie diet. According to the Food and Drug Administration, Americans typically eat about 5.8 grams of trans fats per day, nearly three times the recommended guideline. That's 4.7 pounds of trans fat per year!
As you will see from the following "Trans Fat Black List," many of our everyday convenience foods contain trans fats. Remember to read the ingredient listing of these foods -- even if the label says "zero trans fat" or "no trans fat." Technically, food manufacturers can claim there is no trans fat in a product if the amount per serving is fewer than 0.5 grams. These relatively small amounts of trans fats can add up in the body.
Remember, creating a healthy lifestyle is all about balance and moderation. Bon Appetit!
Trans Fat Black List:
Breads and Bread Products
Biscuits made from mix
Biscuits/rolls made from refrigerated dough
Coating mixes for fish, meat and poultry
Stuffing mixes
Taco shells
White and wheat flour breads
Breakfast Foods
Cinnamon buns
Danishes
Doughnuts
Muffins
Pastries/bakery items with frosting
Toaster tarts/strudels
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