Fat Grams

 Ok, so I feel like now that I'm on soft foods I'm getting into a groove with keeping cals in the 500 and 600 range, Protein over 60 and Carbs under 40.  Oh and Lucky for me my sleeve is co-operative and loves everything I've tried so far. 

The one thing I don't hear TOO much about on this board is fat grams. My fat grams tend to be pretty low in a day so far. Maybe 20 on a high fat day. So my question is this, how important is fat really? How much do you typically consume in a day?, and how many of you stick to the low fat, non fat dairy products? I do okay with skim milk, but I really can't stand the taste of low fat/non fat yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, etc. Do you think it's super important for me to try and use fat free? I just really don't want to if it's not going to be super important. 

 I didn't worry about fat grams....but I was so used to eating skim & low fat products that I never changed my dairy products to a higher fat content product...my total daily fat grams are still high probably around 80 grams due to eating full fats like peanut butter and nuts and olive oil...I don't restrict it....for most of us, due to our small portions, as long as you really concentrate on filling up the avaliable space with protein first each meal, you will not be able to overdue carbs or fats...but of course, being aware of what you are doing is half the battle...so it's good you are thinking about it...now if you eat a lot of fats and sliders, like cream cheese and crackers or chocolate or fatty junk food, it could really add up and hurt the weight loss....and even low fat junk food can hurt since it is not filling at all and I find I have too much room and capacity when it comes to certain junk food.

 Thank you!! Great to know!! It's funny because some of the snacks you mentioned, like chocolate and crackers, scare the crap out of me!! I don't think I can handle those things for a long time. I just mostly like to use cheese for snacks and recipes, and I really would rather not use the low fat stuff, just not a fan! Thanks for your help!  

most low fat things have added sugar or starches. When the manufacturer takes out something (fat) they have to add something back in to hold it together (sugar,starch).

IMHO

 Thanks, I actually didn't know that!

yep,start comparing the nutrition list and the ingredient list of the same brand of reg and fat free stuff. you will be suprised. and No to answer your question to Rob,if you don't like it,you really won't eat it..

During weight loss - try to keep it as low as possible.  If you are focusing on lean protein sources, fats and carbs should not be a real issue.  Fat free cottage cheese, chicken breast, etc.  You want the calories in your food to come from Protein, not fat.

Think of the calories you eat as a checking account.  You have to buy as much protein as you can with that money.  Anything else is wasted money.

As you transition back into normal foods, it will be harder to always get the protein you need from regular food, you will need those calories for portions of meat and fish.  What fats you do eat you need to focus on healthy fats like Omega III fatty acids and the like.

Thank you, Rob! Love the checking account analogy, that makes so much sense to me. I still feel torn a little bit, though. For example. I much prefer the taste of Fage 2% over Fage 0%. Obviously, if I go with 0, I get three more grams of protein and 20 less calories per cup, so checking account-wise, that's my best option, but if I don't like it (even with added flavorings/spices), is it worth those few calories and protein? As we all know, the amount of food total going into this body is very limited, and I really do want that limited quantity to serve both my needs and my tastes. Anyway, I guess this is really something I have to decide myself! 

Your post was super helpful, as usual, thanks!! 

Get creative with your yogurt - I have posted several different things I do with the Fage 0% yogurt on here (I add Torani syrups, cocoa powder, splenda, homemade pumpkin butter, etc).  You can change the taste and still get the 0% fat.

Same thing with the cottage cheese - you can add to it without necessarily adding a lot of calories.  Put it in a blender with some walden farms fruit spreads or sauces.  Add a touch of red wine vinegar and salt.  Play with it till you find what works for you.

 

If you get past the mental hump of "no fat stuff just doesn't taste as good" you can find that you can make it taste like anything.  I used to be a lifetime "The only two things that taste good are fat and salt" kind of guy.  I realized I was full of **** on that account during my journey.

Ok, Rob! I'll give it a shot! PS. I've gotten 92 grams protein today and I didn't even have dinner yet! I'm kind of impressed with myself right now! ;)

Edit: Spoke too soon! Someone entered my tuna wrong on MFP, I'm at 88 for the day! Still not bad, but not 92!