Choosing low fat or “diet” foods

Processed low-fat or "diet" foods are frequently touted as healthy options for weight loss. However, they may have the opposite effect. Many of these products are packed with sugar in order to improve their taste.

For example, a 6-ounce container of low-fat flavored yogurt may have 23.5 grams of sugar (over 4 teaspoons). A 2,000-calorie diet should contain no more than 12 teaspoons of added sugar per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Low-fat products may make you feel hungrier, causing you to consume more calories than your body needs. Choose a variety of healthy, minimally processed foods instead of low-fat or "diet" foods. Choose fruits and vegetables, including canned and frozen varieties because they are naturally low in fat and high in nutrients.