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 Inside The Pyramid

Discretionary Calories
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How are solid fats different from oils?
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Solid fats contain more saturated fats and/or trans fats than oils. Oils contain more monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fats. Look for foods that are low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol, to help reduce your risk of heart disease. Trans fats can be found in many cakes, cookies, crackers, icings, margarines, and microwave popcorns. Foods containing partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils usually contain trans fats.

Saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol tend to raise “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood, which in turn increases the risk for heart disease. To lower risk for heart disease, cut back on foods containing saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol.

Discretionary Calories

    What are discretionary calories?
    How many can I have?
    What are "solid fats"?
    How are solid fats different from oils?
    How to count the solid fats?
    What are "added sugars"?
    How to count the discretionary calories

Related Topics

    Grains
    Vegetables
    Fruits
    Milk
    Meat & Beans
    Oils
    Discretionary Calories
    Physical Activity

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