Prestwood School

The “Skinny” on Trans Fats…

Trans fats are liquid fats that have been chemically altered to increase their shelf life.  They are often added to processed foods like crackers, cookies and other baked goods.  Food with less than ½ gram of trans fat per serving can be labeled “0 grams trans fat” (“partially hydrogenated oil”=trans fat).

Should avoid trans fat?  Here’s what the experts say:

National Academy of Sciences: “there is no safe level” of trans fat consumption

New England Journal of Medicine:  reports a “strong and reliable” link between trans fat and heart disease

American Medical Association: supports banning trans fat in US restaurants and bakeries

Trans fat content of common foods (per serving):

Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn (butter)                                                   5.0 grams

Duncan Hines Creamy Homestyle Frosting                                             2.0 grams

Pillsbury Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Buns                                                   5.0 grams

Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuit                                                                                 4.0 grams

Imperial Margarine                                                                                                   2.0 grams

KFC Original Recipe chicken dinner                                        7.0 grams

Foods labeled “0 grams trans fat” that contain trans fat:

Quaker Chewy Low Fat Granola Bars                                                            Ritz Crackers

Doritos Nacho Cheese Chips                                                                               Hot Pockets

Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes                                                                    Snickers Bar

Honey Maid Graham Crackers                                                                            Kellogg’s Fiber and Antioxidant Bars

Betty Crocker Fruit Roll-ups                                                                                Eating Right Granola With Raisins

Country Crock Spread                                                                                              Weight Watchers Chocolate Crème Cakes

(week of 1/11/10)

The American Heart Association recommends that children ages 4-8 eat no more than about 3 teaspoons (12 grams) of “added sugar” per day.  “Added sugars” are sugars and syrups that are added to foods or beverages during processing. They do not include naturally occurring sugars such as those found in milk and fruits.  For example, a 6 ounce container of Dannon plain yogurt has 12 grams of sugar and 0 grams of added sugar.  A 6 ounce container of Dannon Vanilla yogurt contains 25 grams of sugar…if we subtract 12 grams of natural sugar that leaves us with 13 grams of added sugar.  Added sugar is not listed on food labels, but if sugar (corn syrup, honey, dextrose, etc.) is listed high on the ingredient list added sugars are high.  The grams of sugar listed on a packaged food that is not fruit or dairy based is primarily added sugar. 

Low Sugar Snack Ideas:

• Fresh seasonal fruit: serve plain, make into kabobs or serve with yogurt dip!
• Trail mix
• Whole wheat crackers with cheese
• Mini muffins
• Veggies with humus or guacamole dip
• Yogurt topped with fruit or granola
• Ants on a log (peanut butter or cream cheese filled celery stalk topped with raisins)

For more info on estimating added sugars see: http://caloriecount.about.com/counting-added-sugar-b341260)

For a list of added sugars in common food you can visit the USDA database on added sugar in common foods: http://www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/12354500/Data/Add_Sug/addsug01.pdf

(More great ideas for kid friendly snacks and treats at: http://cspinet.org/new/pdf/healthy_school_celebrations.pdf)