When it comes to our diet, we all know that we should avoid high-fat foods for health reasons. However, not all low-fat foods are necessarily healthy. In fact, many of them can be just as bad or even worse for you than their full-fat counterparts.

Here are 30 low-fat foods you should avoid:.

1. Margarine

Margarine was originally developed as a healthier alternative to butter as it is low in saturated fat. However, many margarine brands contain trans fats, which are even worse for you than saturated fats.

Trans fats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, so it’s best to avoid margarine altogether or opt for a low-fat brand that doesn’t contain trans fats.

2. Low-Fat Yogurt

While low-fat yogurt may seem like a healthy choice, it’s often loaded with added sugars to compensate for the lack of flavor.

The sugar content can be even higher than that of regular yogurt, so it’s important to check the nutritional label before purchasing. Additionally, low-fat yogurt doesn’t contain as many calcium or protein as its full-fat counterpart.

3. Flavored Instant Oatmeal

Instant oatmeal packets may be a quick and easy breakfast option, but most pre-packaged options contain high amounts of added sugars and artificial flavors. They also lack the fiber content that whole-grain oats provide.

Instead, opt for plain, whole-grain oatmeal and add your own fresh fruit and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

4. Low-Fat Salad Dressing

Low-fat salad dressing may seem like a healthy choice, but it often contains added sugars, artificial flavorings, and preservatives to replace the flavor and texture of fat.

Additionally, without the fat content, your body may not properly absorb certain vitamins and nutrients found in the vegetables in your salad. Instead, opt for a homemade dressing made with healthy fats like olive oil or avocado.

5. Baked Chips

Baked chips may be marketed as a healthier alternative to regular potato chips, but they often contain just as much salt, added sugar, and artificial flavorings.

Additionally, they are often made with refined flour and lack the natural beneficial nutrients found in regular potatoes. Instead, opt for a homemade snack made with natural potato slices baked with healthy seasonings like garlic powder and sea salt.

6. Fat-Free Cookies

While fat-free cookies may seem like a guilt-free indulgence, they are often loaded with added sugars and artificial flavorings.

Additionally, they lack the healthy fats found in traditional cookies, which can help you feel fuller for longer periods of time. Instead, opt for a homemade cookie made with natural sweeteners and healthy fats like coconut oil or almond butter.

7. Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter

Reduced-fat peanut butter may seem like a more healthful alternative to regular peanut butter, but it often contains added sugars to replace the flavor and texture of fat.

Additionally, healthy unsaturated fats found in natural peanut butter can help you feel fuller longer and provide other health benefits such as lowering cholesterol. Instead, opt for a natural peanut butter made with only peanuts and possibly some salt.

8. Canned Fruit in Syrup

Canned fruit may seem like a quick and convenient snack, but those stored in syrup are often high in added sugars.

Additionally, the syrup used to preserve fruit often contains artificial flavors and preservatives, which can damage your health even further. Instead, try fresh fruit on its own or canned fruit packed in natural fruit juice.

9. Turkey Bacon

Turkey bacon may seem like a leaner alternative to traditional bacon, but it often contains high amounts of sodium, added sugars, and preservatives.

Additionally, turkey bacon lacks the same flavor and texture found in traditional bacon, leading to less satisfaction after consumption. Instead, opt for nitrate-free, uncured bacon in moderation or a vegetarian alternative like tempeh bacon.

10. Low-Fat Ice Cream

Low-fat ice cream may seem like a healthier alternative to regular ice cream, but it often contains just as much added sugars and artificial flavors.

Additionally, low-fat ice cream often has a high glycemic index, which can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. Instead, opt for a homemade ice cream made with natural ingredients like unsweetened coconut milk or frozen fruit blended with almond milk.

11. Cereal Bars

Cereal bars may seem like a convenient snack option, but most varieties contain high amounts of added sugars and artificial flavors.

Additionally, many cereal bars lack the filling fiber found in whole-grain cereals, leading to less satisfaction after consumption. Instead, opt for a homemade option made with organic oats, natural sweeteners, and healthy fats like nuts and seeds.

12. Skim Milk

Skim milk may seem like a leaner alternative to whole milk, but it often contains added powdered milk and extra sugar to compensate for the lack of flavor and creaminess.

Additionally, the healthy fats found in whole milk can help you feel fuller for longer periods of time and provide other health benefits like improving bone density. Instead, opt for organic, grass-fed whole milk in moderation or dairy-free options like almond or cashew milk.

13. Fat-Free Cheese

Fat-free cheese may seem like a more healthful alternative to regular cheese, but it often contains added sugars and salt to replace the flavor and texture of fat.

Additionally, cheese is typically eaten in small quantities, so the amount of fat consumed is usually not significant enough to cause health problems. Instead, opt for organic cheese made with only natural ingredients and consume in moderation.

14. Rice Cakes

Rice cakes may seem like a convenient, low-fat snack option, but they are often made with refined rice flour and contain added sugars and preservatives. Additionally, they lack the filling fiber and beneficial nutrients found in whole-grain rice.

Instead, opt for a homemade snack like air-popped popcorn or homemade kale chips.

15. Deli Meats

Deli meats may seem like a convenient source of protein, but many varieties contain added nitrates and sodium to preserve freshness and flavor. Additionally, many deli meats are highly processed and contain added sugars and artificial flavors.

Instead, opt for nitrate-free, antibiotic-free meats or vegetarian alternatives like tempeh or tofu.

Related Article 30 Unhealthy Low Fat Foods

16. Low-Fat Muffins

Low-fat muffins may seem like a healthy breakfast option, but they often contain high amounts of added sugars and refined flour to replace the flavor and texture of fat. Additionally, they lack the filling fiber found in whole-grain muffins.

Instead, opt for homemade muffins made with organic or whole-grain flour, natural sweeteners, and healthy fats like coconut oil or almond butter.

17. Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese

Reduced-fat cream cheese may seem like a healthier alternative to regular cream cheese, but it often contains added sugars and salt to maintain the texture and flavor.

Additionally, the healthy fats found in regular cream cheese can help you feel fuller for longer periods of time and provide other health benefits. Instead, opt for organic, full-fat cream cheese in moderation.

18. Low-Fat Pudding

Low-fat pudding may seem like a guilt-free indulgence, but it often contains high amounts of added sugars and artificial flavors. Additionally, it lacks the beneficial nutrients found in homemade pudding made with natural ingredients.

Instead, opt for a homemade pudding made with organic or unsweetened coconut milk, natural sweeteners, and healthy thickening agents like arrowroot powder.

19. Turkey Burgers

Turkey burgers may seem like a leaner alternative to traditional beef burgers, but they often contain high levels of sodium and added ingredients to maintain the flavor and texture.

Additionally, turkey burgers may not be as filling as beef burgers because they lack the same satisfying fat content. Instead, opt for grass-fed beef burgers in moderation or vegetarian alternatives like chickpea burgers.

20. Low-Fat Popcorn

Low-fat popcorn may seem like a healthier snack option, but it often contains added sugars and seasoning to replace the flavor and texture of fat. Additionally, it lacks the natural fiber and beneficial nutrients found in air-popped popcorn.

Instead, opt for air-popped popcorn seasoned with healthy spices like turmeric and black pepper.

21. Low-Fat Mayonnaise

Low-fat mayonnaise may seem like a healthy spread option, but it often contains added sugars and preservatives to replace the flavor and texture of fat.

Additionally, the healthy fats found in traditional mayonnaise can help you feel fuller for longer periods of time and provide other health benefits. Instead, opt for homemade mayonnaise made with healthy oils like olive oil or avocado oil and natural ingredients like mustard and lemon juice.

22. Bran Muffins

Bran muffins may seem like a healthy breakfast option, but they often contain added sugars and refined flour to maintain the texture and flavor. Additionally, they lack the filling fiber found in whole-grain muffins.

Instead, opt for homemade muffins made with organic or whole-grain flour, natural sweeteners, and healthy fats like coconut oil or almond butter.

23. Fat-Free Sour Cream

Fat-free sour cream may seem like a healthier alternative to traditional sour cream but it often contains added sugars and preservatives to replace the flavor and texture of fat.

Additionally, the healthy fats found in traditional sour cream can help you feel fuller for longer periods of time and provide other health benefits. Instead, opt for organic, full-fat sour cream in moderation.

24. Low-Fat Baked Goods

Low-fat baked goods may seem like a healthier dessert option, but they often contain high amounts of added sugars and refined flour to replace the flavor and texture of fat.

Additionally, they lack the beneficial nutrients found in homemade desserts made with natural ingredients. Instead, opt for desserts made with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup and healthy fats like coconut oil or almond butter.

25. Fat-Free Cream Cheese

Fat-free cream cheese may seem like a healthier alternative to traditional cream cheese, but it often contains added sugars and salt to maintain the texture and flavor.

26. Low-Fat Granola

Low-fat granola may seem like a healthy breakfast option, but it often contains high amounts of added sugars and refined grains to replace the flavor and texture of fat. Additionally, it lacks the filling fiber found in whole-grain granola.

Instead, opt for homemade granola made with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, whole-grain oats, and healthy fats like coconut oil or almond butter.

27. Low-Fat Pop-Tarts

Low-fat Pop-Tarts may seem like a convenient breakfast option, but they often contain high amounts of added sugars and artificial flavors. Additionally, they lack the filling fiber and beneficial nutrients found in whole-grain breakfast options.

Instead, opt for a homemade breakfast option like natural whole-grain toast topped with nut butter and fresh fruit.

28. Low-Fat Hot Dogs

Low-fat hot dogs may seem like a leaner alternative to regular hot dogs, but they often contain high levels of sodium and added ingredients to maintain the flavor and texture.

Additionally, hot dogs in general often contain preservatives and sodium nitrate, which can be harmful to your health. Instead, opt for natural, organic hot dogs or vegetarian options like grilled tofu or tempeh.

29. Low-Fat Cake Mix

Low-fat cake mix may seem like a healthier dessert option, but it often contains high amounts of added sugars and refined flour to replace the flavor and texture of fat.

Additionally, it lacks the beneficial nutrients found in homemade desserts made with natural ingredients. Instead, opt for homemade cake made with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, whole-grain flour, and healthy fats like coconut oil or almond butter.

30. Low-Fat Cream Soup

Low-fat cream soup may seem like a healthier option, but it often contains added sugars and refined flour to replace the flavor and texture of fat. Additionally, it lacks the beneficial nutrients found in homemade soup made with natural ingredients.

Instead, opt for homemade soup made with natural thickening agents like mashed potatoes or arrowroot powder, healthy fats like coconut milk, and organic vegetables.

Conclusion

Just because a food is low in fat doesn’t mean it’s a healthy choice. Many low-fat options are loaded with added sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives, which can negate any health benefits you might think you’re getting.

When choosing your foods, it’s always important to read the labels carefully and opt for natural, whole-food options whenever possible.