Fat-Free Foods for Weight Loss

If you are trying to lose weight, the foods you buy at the grocery store can make or break your plan. Whenever shopping, bring a detailed list of fat-free foods to aid in your selection. That, along with a careful review of nutrition labels, will help keep your diet on track.

You might be surprised which foods make the top of the fat-free list. Most of these foods are naturally free from fat.

Others have been actively omitted, including many processed fat-free foods. While they may offer benefits in terms of reduced fat intake, many manufacturers replace those fats with sugar and carbohydrates that promote weight gain and affect blood sugars. The calorie count may remain the same, but your glycemic index (GI) may go through the roof.

Many foods on this fat-free list offer ample nutrition while keeping the calorie count low. These are invariably the best for weight loss. Other food choices may not offer as much nutrition but can calm your cravings for sweets, candy, or other treats.

Definitely off the list are junk foods like chips and cookies, ice cream, chocolate candy, high-calorie frozen meals, fried foods like fish sticks, and condiments like mayonnaise and salad dressings.

Here's the list of fat-free foods to eat if you want to slim down or maintain your healthy weight. In addition to no fat foods, some low-fat foods are listed as well to help you with your eating plan.

Canned foods can be good for dieters on a budget. Foods that are canned are usually more economical, generally last longer, and can be reheated quickly and conveniently. Consider these options:

• White beans
• Black beans
• Garbanzo beans
• Canned tomatoes
• Canned corn
• Other canned vegetables
• Canned fruit with no added syrup
• Tuna (canned in water, not oil)
• Fat-free refried beans
• Canned soups with a clear base (avoid cream soups)

Not all fat-free dairy products taste good. So it's important to consider flavor when making your choice. Sometimes buying a low-fat version is better because you'll be satisfied eating less of it and consuming fewer calories overall.

For some dieters, however, a little bit of fat provides satiety. So, choose your no-fat dairy food wisely. Also, check the nutrition facts label for added sweeteners—some no-fat foods in the dairy section are higher in sugar. Consider these options:

• Fat-free Greek yogurt
• Fat-free traditional yogurt
• Fat-free or low-fat cream cheese
• Skim milk
• Low-fat cheese like part skim mozzarella
• Reduced-fat or fat-free sour cream

If you can live without sauces and spreads, you might be able to lose weight faster. Many times condiments add calories without adding too much flavor. But, if you prefer to add condiments to your meal, choose these fat-free varieties:

• Reduced-fat or fat-free salad dressing
• Light mayonnaise
• Salsa
• Butter Buds
• Vinegar
• Cocktail sauce
• Reduced-sugar fruit spread or jam
• Soy sauce
• Tomato sauce

Lean protein should top your list of diet-friendly foods. They contain some fat but provide a powerful nutritional boost. Consider:

• Lean ground turkey or skinless turkey breast
• Skinless chicken breasts
• Lean deli cuts like sliced ham
• Frozen or refrigerated grilled chicken pieces
• Fresh or frozen fish and seafood
• Eggs, egg substitute, or egg whites

We all need a sweet treat now and then. Some of the best diet-friendly choices contain a little bit of fat, but many are fat-free:

• Hard candies
• Chewing gum
• Tootsie rolls
• Lollipops
• Fat-free gelatin cups
• Non-fat ice cream bars 
• Sorbet or sherbet
• Popsicles

Try to choose high-fiber bread and grains, even if they provide a little bit of fat. But try to keep your choices low in calories. Consider:

• Whole grain and bran cereals
• Whole grain bread
• Brown rice
• Whole wheat pita
• Oatmeal
• Whole grain pasta

By having all of this list of fat-free foods and foods that are diet-friendly, you'll be ready to handle last-moment meal preparation and any cravings that come your way. The more that you plan ahead, the less likely you will be to reach for whatever is on the shelf.

You can even go online and look up the brand name and the nutritional information in advance to make your shopping even faster and simpler.