Recently a client of mine asked me what trans fats are. Based on some research I’ve been doing over the last month here is what I came up with.

Unlike other fats, the majority of trans fat is formed when liquid oils are made into solid fats like shortening and hard margarine. However, a small amount of trans fat is found naturally in some animal-based foods. Essentially, trans fat is made when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil, a process called hydrogenation. Hydrogenation increases the shelf life and flavor of foods containing these fats.

Trans fat, like saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, raises the LDL or bad cholesterol that increases your risk for Heart Disease. On average, Americans consume 4 to 5 times as much saturated fat as trans fat in their diet.

Although saturated fat is the main dietary culprit that raises LDL, trans fat and dietary cholesterol also contribute significantly. Trans fat can often be found in processed foods made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils such as vegetable shortenings, some margarines (especially margarines that are harder), crackers, candies, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, and baked goods.

Anthony Marchese aka PC Fitness.
Credentials : http://www.expertpersonaltraining.com

If you are a frozen yogurt fan, here is some information that may help.

Frozen yogurt maybe fat free, but it is not calorie free. A large serving (9-13 ounces) can easily contribute 225 to 400 calories to your diet. With the cone and few mix-ins, you could have the calorie equivalent of a small meal, but with far less nutritional value.

Unlike regular yogurt that is a nutrient dense food, frozen yogurt is a sugar based food that has less calcium and less protein than you might think. Yes, the sugar in frozen yogurt fuels your muscles, but it can fool your good nutrition intentions.

Gourmet frozen yogurt tends to have the same fat content as reduced fat ice cream. Be sure to read food labels so you don’t get fooled!

Anthony Marchese aka PC Fitness.
Credentials : http://www.expertpersonaltraining.com