[Mumto1bub]

I'm so confused about the health information out there. For years I have been having low fat milk, low fat yoghurt and margarine thinking it was the healthier option for health given many health organisations in Australia such as the heart foundation recommends these products. But since having some health issues, I have doing more reading and many other nutritionists and books are saying full fat and butter is actually better for you. So now I'm confused and don't know what I should be doing? What are your thoughts? Do you think full fat is better? Has anyone made the switch and felt better for it?

[DarylDixonismyhe...]

Full fat here. You just need to read the nutritional labels to note that at times sugar etc increases in the low fat versions.

I use full fat natural yoghurt, full fat jersey milk. Most other products i don't use anymore since going sugar free and primal/paleo.

Oh and yes to butter, proper stuff though


This post has been edited by pukeko~ponga~tree: 07/02/2013, 01:25 PM

[divineM]

full fat here...in moderation of course. and don't start me on margerine - it's just a cocktail of chemicals.

[Sofia*]

Hell, I'm confused too.

I think it's worth stepping back and looking at your overall diet, not individual foods.

Do you eat a range of different foods with some fat, some carbs, some protein? (and for me, some treats although not everyone will feel these have a place in a healthy diet!)

You do need to have some fat in your diet - but it doesn't have to come from diary.

If you feel as though you aren't getting much fat at all, then adding in full fat dairy won't hurt.

If you eat cheese, avocado, oily fish like salmon, meat with some fat etc then sticking with lower fat options sounds fine to me.

[*LucyE*]

I've always been a full fat person.

As much as I like 'processed' foods such as cheese, butter etc, I prefer them to be minimally processed. So, we don't use margarine, or low fat milk or hydrogenated fats etc. if I'm going to eat ice cream, it will be made from dairy and not some 'iced confectionary' that is passed off as ice cream these days.

[Ehill]

I am not a dietician but I am slim (ish!) and healthy. I havent ever had my cholestrol checked so I there is no way I am saying either is right or wrong.

I am a bit anti checmicals, additives etc. I want to eat food from plants and animals not a factory. Therefore I eat butter, not marg, and for the most part full fat products. My only exception is milk as I don't like the taste of full fat milk. I just eat these lovely yummy full fat products in moderation.

For me, everything in moderation is the key to a healthy and happy diet.

[glasnost]

We are a full-fat family however recently I started using light (not skim) milk in my porridge instead of full-fat. Not only does the taste suffer (it is unsuprisingly less creamy) but I also feel that it doesn't keep me as full for as long as the full fat stuff. I feel like I need to eat more to fill up.

I am generally very suspicious of any kind of reduced fat product.

[4kidlets]

You can get low fat ice cream which is still made from dairy.

I dont think there is one answer to which is better for you though - from a weight loss POV low fat milk and margarine would be better, and there is no added sugar in low fat milk.
Low fat yogurt you do need to watch out for extra sugar.

But for someone who is not trying to lose weight or who needs to gain weight or is struggling with sufficient calorie intake, then full fat would be better.

For many people in between it probably doesnt really matter.

[~chiquita~]

Full fat milk and butter user here and although I don't feel any different, I haven't put on any weight since making the change.

I think in moderation it's fine. I may however put on a kilo or two from the ridiculous amount of hot milo I drink during winter. Ya know, cos I'm cold.

[*LucyE*]

If you feel as though you aren't getting much fat at all, then adding in full fat dairy won't hurt.

If you eat cheese, avocado, oily fish like salmon, meat with some fat etc then sticking with lower fat options sounds fine to me.

Full fat milk is approx 4%. Skim is approx 2% fat. There's only a 2% difference!

I would rather have less full fat milk than the more processed, sugar laden alternative.

The difference is neglible between ordering a full fat cappuccino rather than a skinny latte.

There's also the difference between fats. Not all fats are the same or 'good' for you. Monounsaturated fats are 'better' for you than saturated fats. Don't even get me started on trans fats. You can't substitute one for another (in foods) and expect them to be the same in the body.