Identifying hidden fats and sugar

Not all foods are obviously high in fat.

What’ s actually in there?

Muesli is supposed to be healthy, but there are many varieties that are high in sugar.

Readymade dressings often contain cream, oil, fat and sugar. 

Sausage is another trap. Salami has visible fat, but mortadella and other types of sausage also have a high fat content. Also, don’t assume that poultry sausages are low in fat. A lot of fat can be hidden so remember the rule – the more muscle you see in the sausage the lower in fat it is.

Cheese can be very high in fat too so look at the quantity of fat, which is either given in absolute terms or in dry weight. It also depends on whether you’ re going for hard cheese or cheese made with a large amount of water like cream cheese. Best to look at the nutrition table to compare them directly.

Ready meals and sauces often contain high amounts of fat and sugar because they also enhance

flavour. You wouldn’ t think there’ s much sugar in savoury dishes but often there is.- If you think you’ re cutting down on fat with margarine, think again. The fat is from plants, but in terms of fat it’ s pretty much the same as butter.

If you think you’ re cutting down on fat with margarine, think again. The fat is from plants, but in terms of fat it’ s pretty much the same as butter.