How to Avoid Trans Fat

1. Look for foods that contain no "vegetable shortening" or "partially hydrogenated" oil.

2. Avoid deep-fried foods. The less fat, the less trans, so buy lower-fat margarines, chips, crackers, cookies, pastries, and other processed foods (and don't eat twice as much).

3. Use olive or canola oil instead of butter, margarine, or shortening whenever possible.

4. If you use margarine, buy tubs rather than sticks. To cut fat and calories, get "light," "low-fat," or "fat-free" brands.

5. Foods that are "cholesterol-free," "low-cholesterol," "low-saturated-fat," or "made with vegetable oil" aren't necessarily low in trans fat. "Saturated-fat-free" foods are.

How to Avoid Trans Fat

1. Look for foods that contain no "vegetable shortening" or "partially hydrogenated" oil.

2. Avoid deep-fried foods. The less fat, the less trans, so buy lower-fat margarines, chips, crackers, cookies, pastries, and other processed foods (and don't eat twice as much).

3. Use olive or canola oil instead of butter, margarine, or shortening whenever possible.

4. If you use margarine, buy tubs rather than sticks. To cut fat and calories, get "light," "low-fat," or "fat-free" brands.

5. Foods that are "cholesterol-free," "low-cholesterol," "low-saturated-fat," or "made with vegetable oil" aren't necessarily low in trans fat. "Saturated-fat-free" foods are.