How Much Fat Do We Need, Anyway? By Margaret Furtado, M.S., R.D. - Posted Wed, Jun 24, 2009, 6:25 pm PDT

1. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jun 25, 2009, 6:56 am PDT

I have to admit, I'm puzzled by recommendations that dieters "order an appetizer" to save fat and calories. This might work in finer restaurants, where appetizers could include seared tuna or scallops, or something else lean. But let's be honest: Most Americans do their dining out at middle-scale chain restaurants such as Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday, Chili's, or the Outback. Have you seen the appetizers available at those places? Hardly any with fewer than 1,000 calories if you eat the whole thing, some with twice that. All fried, piled with cheese, or accompanied by some kind of fatty dipping sauce ... or all of the above! I've seen this recommendation in other places, and the only conclusion I draw is that those who dispense this advice aren't eating at the same restaurants as the rest of us. (That said, most of these chains do offer some healthier options. I ate at Chili's the other night and had "Guiltless Grill" tilapia with steamed broccoli, plus I added a side of black beans—the whole thing still came to less than 400 calories, with plenty of protein and fiber and little fat.)

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2. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 09, 2009, 8:25 am PDT

Dr. Dean Ornish, a heart specialist, says the amt of fat for a healthy should be no more than 10 % of calories from fat. My husband had a heart attack and ( after following Dr. Ornish's life style change,) he lost 25 pounds. He kept it off for over 5 years. He then started eating like he did before his heart attack and now has regained all of it back plus a few more pounds. This shows that what you eat has a direct effect on your health and weight.

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