Without compromising flavor, there are some simple steps we can all take in making the Holidays more healthy. Eliminate or reduce the amount of egg yolks in recipes. Make up the difference with more egg whites. Discard poultry skin and trim off the fat on meat and fish. Replace whole cream with lower fat or skim milk wherever possible.
Butter contains high amounts of saturated fat, as well as ice cream, lunchmeats, and sausages.
The results show that many foods made with partially hydrogenated oil, vegetable shortening, or margarine contain damaging amounts of trans-fat. CSPI warns that French fries, fried chicken, baked goods, and hundreds of other foods at restaurant chains may be twice as bad for your heart as most people suspect because too often they are prepared with trans-fatty acid rich hydrogenated fats. Willett's research has helped establish the link between trans-fat consumption and the risk of heart disease. Good sources of soluble fiber are found in oats, peas, beans, certain fruits, and psyllium which is a grain. Eating too much of these is the main reason for high levels of cholesterol and a high rate of heart attacks in the United States.