Since moving to the East Coast of the U.S., I have been spoiled by my ability to jump on a train or get in the car to enjoy a weekend away in New York City. I have always enjoyed visiting this city full of character, landmarks and some of the best restaurants in America. So over the past week, I read with interest about a new proposal in New York State banning the use of artificial trans fats.
Trans fats are mostly found in oils, margarines, and shortenings like Crisco. Some trans fats also occur naturally in foods like meat and dairy. The New York ban is aimed at the artificial fats only, targeting American favorites like apple pie, French fries, and doughnuts. The ban will force chefs and cooks everywhere to consider each and every ingredient used as they prepare food that New Yorkers and its thousands of visitors seek daily in the city’s almost 25,000 eateries.
Many people are outraged by the proposed ban on trans fats. But experts cannot ignore the fact that these artificial trans fatty acids raise the risk of heart disease and are indirectly responsible for thousands of deaths every year. If you personally want to eliminate trans fats from your diet, consider making the following changes:
* Read food labels carefully for sources of trans fats.
* Avoid snack foods and baked goods that are more likely to contain sources of artificial trans fats.
* Snack mostly on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat products.
* Look for “trans fat-free” on labels of some margarines, chips, and cookies.
* Avoid fried foods at fast food restaurants and select broiled chicken instead.
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