“Sugar-free,” “fat-free,” “cholesterol-free,” “sodium-free,” “trans-fat-free”: How do you know if “freebie” foods are really a health bargain?
- The label’s Nutrition Facts and ingredient list tell more. A fat-free food may have more sweetener than its traditional counterpart. Net result: The calories per serving may be equal.
- Calories, even in fat-free foods, add up. Portions bigger than label servings have more calories, too.
- Any food needs to fit into the big picture. Choose a calorie-free food to complement other food choices, not as an excuse to overdo on other foods.
If a “-free” food catches your eye today:
- Turn to the Nutrition Facts. To make it “-free” of something, one ingredient may be substituted for another; for example, a sugar-free food may be higher in fat, or vice versa. Buy smart!
- Control your portion, even if the food is fat-, calorie-, or cholesterol-free.
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