Saturated fats are sneaking back into food

Are we really eating healthier than we were before? More than 1,200 new reduced-fat or trans-fat-free products were introduced last year, so like many others, you probably think you are. But the truth is that many manufacturers are replacing one evil (trans fat) with another evil (saturated fat). While saturated fats are less harmful, it seems that the newly formulated formulas may have slightly more saturated fat then they did before. And, to simply put it ... well, more fat is more fattening!

What to watch out for: Tropical oils, such as coconut, palm kernel, and palm oil.

Healthier alternatives would be: Soybean oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, ultra-low-linolenic soybean oil, or high-oleic canola oil.

That being said, Whole Foods Market gives a different point of view and defends the use of tropical oils.

Of course, the best approach would be to limit any packaged and processed foods. Instead, load up on 'whole' foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins.