More on Partially Hydrogenated Oils

Partially hydrogenated oils are also known as "trans fats". They are heated up and thereby chemically altered to they don't melt as readily. That's why you find them in a lot of items that do not require refrigeration.

This altering of the chemical structure is what makes them bad for us. One expert told me that their molecular structure is closer to that of plastic than the original food they came from. That sounds appealing!

Advertisers and those who label foods have found a "loop hole" and can actually claim their food is "Trans Fat Free" even though it has partially hydrogenated oils in it.

How can this be? The regulation is that if there is less than 1/2 gram of trans fat in a serving, the food can be labeled Trans Fat Free.

Is 1/2 gram that much? Hmmm...well, I have two thoughts on that question.

First, look at the serving size. Is the size they are calling a serving what you would really eat? Or would you be eating 4 or 5 servings?

Secondly, I wouldn't eat 1/2 gram of rat poison, would you? Sometimes a tiny bit is too much.

Look, there are plenty of wonderful food options for us. Ones that will actually help us be healthy, energetic and lose weight. Let's do our best to stay away from the ones we know are toxic! If I'm going to eat something "bad" for me, I can choose wisely and, as always, watch my portions.