[CarliMac]

Newbie question -

In general, what's better for me, fat free items or light items?

[Ija]

I think it depends on the item, and what is being added to the item to replace the fat. I make it a point to check the label for ingredients, and if something is fat free but full of extra sugar, I don't get it.

[witchyonadiet]

I agree with Drina - you have to read EVERY label - particularly "light" or "fat-free" items. If something is removed something else is always added - like extra sugar. Sugars can be disguised with many names so watch for things that end in "ose". SOmetimes its better - IMO - to eat a smaller portion of a regular full fat food IF you make it yourself or it is natural. The light and fat-free items are almost always loaded with chemicals.

[Suzanne 3FC]

The chemicals disturb me. I'd rather eat a small amount of the real thing.

[briezee]

Originally Posted by Suzanne 3FC

The chemicals disturb me. I'd rather eat a small amount of the real thing.

I completely agree, here. Not to mention, several of those chemicals are migraine triggers for me.

[murphmitch]

Some foods like Fat Free Refried beans are just that, no added stuff. Other foods like Fat Free Salad dressings add sugar to the product when they eliminate the fats. Some fats are healthy for you. All depends on the item. You really need to read the labels to see what you are getting.

[BlueToBlue]

I agree, it all depends on the product. I used to tell myself that it wasn't healthy to eat fat free foods because of the added chemicals and sugar; I used it as a excuse to continue eating higher fat, often full fat foods. But then I started reading labels and discovered that there are fat free foods without added chemicals and sugar. For example, fat free plain yogurt, fat free cottage cheese, fat free milk, and fat free cream cheese. These are all great alternatives to full fat dairy and rarely have added chemicals or sugar. And the fat in dairy, even reduced fat or light dairy, tends to be saturated fat, which is not good fat.