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We all need some fat in our diets to stay healthy. But, diets that are too high in fat (especially saturated and "trans" fats) can increase a person's risk of heart disease and other health problems. It sounds like your parents are aware of this. Perhaps they're taking steps to cut back on the fat in and on the foods they eat.
Check out what the difference is between the good fats and the bad fats.

Things are just a little different for you. Right now, your body is probably still growing and developing, so you can be a bit more flexible with fat - especially if that fat is part of a nutrient-rich food like cheese, peanut butter or avocado. But by the time you're in your late teens and your body has pretty much reached its adult shape and size, you should be aiming for the same dietary fat goal as your parents. So go easy on snack and fast foods that are high in fat (especially saturated and trans fat) but offer you little vitamins, minerals, etc. and look for other ways to make lower fat food choices more often.

How can you reduce trans fat intake?
Many of the foods with trans fat provide little nutritional value.  It’s a good idea to reduce the amount of trans fat that you eat and replace them with foods that contain more nutrients and fibre, such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains and low-fat dairy and meat products. Canada’s Food Guide suggests:

• Eat the recommended amount and type of food each day.
• Eat at least one dark green and one orange vegetable each day.
• Choose vegetables and fruit prepared with little or no added fat, sugar or salt.
• Have vegetables and fruit more often than juice.
• Make at least half of your grain products whole grain each day.
• Choose grain products that are lower in fat, sugar or salt.
• Drink skim, 1% or 2% milk each day.
• Select lower fat milk alternatives.
• Have meat alternatives such as beans, lentils and tofu often.
• Eat at least two Food Guide Servings of fish each week.
• Select lean meat and alternatives prepared with little or no added fat or salt
• Include a small amount of unsaturated fat each day.
• Satisfy your thirst with water.
• Limit foods and beverages high in calories, fat, sugar or salt.
• Be active every day.
  

For more details about how to do this, call Health Connection at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit 721-7520 or toll free 1-800-721-7520.

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