Controlling Fats When Shopping and CookingWhen you are grocery shopping and cooking, controlling fats can go a long way to good nutrition, weightmanagement and blood glucose control.Fats are higher in calories than other types of foods so it is a good idea to limit the amount you put in your cartor add while cooking. Keep in mind however, that some fats are healthier than others so controlling the typesof fat you choose is important too.Although the body doesn't need much fat, getting a little healthy fat at each meal with a lean protein and foodshigher in carbohydrate helps your blood sugar rise more gradually.You also feel satisfied longer and less hungry.Choose healthy fats called monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats more often. Foods like olive oil, nuts oravocado, can actually help lower your risk of heart disease, a major concern for people with diabetes.And reduce or avoid saturated fats. They can increase your cholesterol and in turn your risk of heart disease.To further control your fat intake, take advantage of the low-fat, or reduced fat foods out there. Choose 1% orskim milk instead of whole milk.You might like the reduced fat salad dressings if you give them a try.Be careful though, some foods advertise lower fat but actually increase the sugar to get the same flavor. Thatcan mean more carbohydrates and calories than you expect.Cooking or assembling meals and snacks with less fat is a good idea, here are some ways to accomplish that.Remove excess fat on meats, and skin on poultry before cooking it.If you normally fry food, try broiling, steaming, grilling, or baking your foods. This cuts down on fat, which isgood for your diabetes and weight management.Beware of fat in condiments as well. Avoid or at least limit high-fat toppings like mayonnaise, butter, sourcream, cheese and some salad dressings. A little goes a long way.Instead, why not try lower fat versions of these dressings? Or try something new. Mustard, balsamic vinegar,or herbs and spices like garlic, oregano, and basil can add taste to your foods without the fat.Talk to your healthcare provider about more tricks to control the amount and types of fat you put into yourshopping cart. And the next time you cook think about healthy ways to prepare your food.You can: cut down on the fat by cutting it off first; pick healthy fats to eat; bake, broil, grill, or steam; takecontrol of your condiments; or make another change that fits into your cooking methods, so that you canimprove your health for the better.
