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There are many versions of a low fat-diet that can help dieters to effectively lose weight, but a low fat diet is not a no fat diet. An extremely low-fat or no-fat diet is unhealthy and can be dangerous. Fats supply energy and essential fatty acids and promote the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Current research has found that a deficiency in essential fatty acids can raise actually cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Diets that get zero to 19% of their calories from fat are considered very low-fat diets. These include the Scarsdale Diet and the Hip and Thigh Diet. Diets that get 20-30% of their calories from fat are considered low-fat diets. These include Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, The Rice Diet, and the Three Hour Diet. Recommendations of low fat diets vary widely, and there is a continuing debate amongst various health professionals and groups as to how much fat is needed to maintain health and a healthy weight. However, there is general agreement that decreasing bad fats, such as trans fats, cholesterol, and saturated fats, and increasing good fats, such as Omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats, are important to good health and to weight control. In addition, current research is demonstrating that excessive calorie intake, and not just fat, is responsible for weight gain. Credible low-fat diets encourage a well balanced diet that includes unprocessed fruits, vegetables, 100% whole grains, low-fat dairy products, plant proteins (i.e. beans, tofu) and lean meats and fish. Because some fat in the diet is necessary for proper functioning of the body, good low-fat diets should encourage the use of healthy fats, such as those form olive oil and Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flax seed. They also restrict or eliminate foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, processed "white" grains that are not 100% whole grain, and sugar. Credible diets also do not promote or encourage rapid weight loss, generally considered more than one to two pounds per week. For the best chance of safely losing excessive weight and keeping it off, low-fat diets should also include components that address exercise and healthy lifestyle changes.
Healthy low-fat diets should include unsaturated fats and minimize saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. This helps to decrease the risk for a vascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, metabolic syndrome, and some forms of cancer. All diets have the potential to be harmful for some people, so consultation with a health care provider before starting a diet plan and exercise program is recommended.
Other diets similar to No Fat Diet include:
Conditions associated with No Fat Diet include:
The following foods may be restricted or excluded from No Fat Diet:
The following foods may be focused on as part of No Fat Diet:
The following are potential risks or complications of the diet (No Fat Diet):
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