helps in weight loss and weightmanagement. Fat contains twice as many calories per gram asprotein and carbohydrates, so eating less fat usually meansconsuming fewer calories. - Lowering fat has been shown todecrease the risk of heart disease. Dietary fat, particularlysaturated fat, has been implicated as a factor in heart diseaseand elevated cholesterol levels. - A low fat diet may help toreduce the risk of some forms of cancer. Although this matterhas not been totally settled, there have been a number ofstudies which indicate that a diet low in fat can keep certaincancers at bay. - And of course eating fewer high fat foodsmeans that you will be able to enjoy many more low fatalternatives, such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Sincethese types of foods tend to be nutrient rich and low calorie,they can be enjoyed guilt free.Of course cutting back on dietary fat ...

...is easier said than done,so we have compiled the list of tips for low fat healthy eatingto help you get started.- In place of spreads like peanut butter and full fat creamcheese, use lower fat alternatives such as low fat cream cheese,jellies, jams, fruit spreads, apple butter, mustard, low fatmargarine, or low fat mayonnaise. - Use high fat foods as anoccasional treat, not as a dietary staple. - Use reduced fat ornonfat salad dressings whenever possible. When eating out,request the salad dressing on the side so you can compare theamount used. - .Instead of butter or sour cream, top bakedpotatoes with plain nonfat or low fat yogurt. Other deliciousbaked potato toppings include steamed broccoli, cottage cheese,salsa, low fat cheese and low fat or nonfat sour cream. - Getcreative with seasonings to add flavor without adding fat orcalories. Garnishes like lemon juice, herbs, salsa or greenonions are great toppings for vegetables and salads. - Use highfat toppings sparingly. For instance, instead of using atablespoon of blue cheese salad dressing, try using only ateaspoon. - Avoid full fat dairy products whenever possible.Using skim milk or 2% milk instead of whole milk can make a hugedifference in your daily fat intake. Likewise, low fatalternatives to ice cream, such as frozen yogurt, provide allthe flavor and none of the fat. - Low fat cheeses also provide agreat alternative to full fat varieties. Most varieties of hardcheeses are available in low fat versions. - Use low fatvarieties of popular snacks. Ginger snaps, angel food cake,vanilla wafers, fig bars, jelly beans, hard candy and gum dropsare all excellent choices for a sweet treat. - Instead of potatochips, which are very high in fat, choose pretzels, unbutteredpopcorn and other healthier alternatives.In addition to choosing the right foods, the preparation of thefoods you buy is very important to keeping fat levels as low aspossible. Proper low fat food preparation starts with buying theleanest cuts of beef, pork, fish and chicken, and removing theskin and fat from chicken breasts, legs and thighs.Broiling, backing and grilling are generally the lowest fatmethods for preparing the meats and seafood you buy. Try toavoid frying foods, and if you must fry, try to use a pan thatallows the excess fat and oil to drain off easily.Healthy, low fat cooking does not have to be boring orunappetizing. There are great many excellent recipes for lowfat, healthy meals that are easy to make. The most importantthing is to be an educated consumer and shop carefully for thehealthiest produce, meat and seafood....