Checking Out the Calories

Just because a food is low in fat doesn't make it low in calories. Some low-fat foods have as many or more calories than the regular product, according to the International Food Information Council. That's why it's important to check food labels. Low-fat and nonfat milk and fat-trimmed meats don't suffer in taste, but many low-fat foods need a replacement for the fat so that the foods taste good. Low-fat, lower-calorie foods use water and carbohydrate-, protein- and fat-based ingredients to provide thickening, texture and taste.