Choosing low fat foods isn't hard once you understand what to look for and what to avoid.

Fruits and Vegetables are the easiest place to start - they are naturally low fat foods, and are also packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is only when you add things like butter, margarine, mayonnaise and sour cream that you add in the fat, or if you cook them in oil.

Other naturally low fat foods are whole grain bread, cereal, rice and pasta - again they are also packed with fiber and slow burning complex carbohydrates.

Bakery foods to avoid are things like cakes, biscuits, donuts, sweet rolls and muffins, which can easily be up to 50% fat.

Most breakfast cereals are also low in fat, though some packets of instant cereal, and some types of granola can have high-fat oils and sugar added. Things to avoid include chips, crisps, and similar fried snacks.

When looking for sources of protein you have to work a bit harder to avoid the fat. Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs and Nuts are all excellent foods, but care must be taken when choosing and cooking them.

Select low-fat, lean cuts of meat and poultry, and remove any visible fat or skin before cooking. The healthiest ways to prepare meat are baking, broiling and roasting, with frying the one to avoid. For flavouring, avoid high-fat sauces and gravies and opt instead for herbs, spices, and fresh vegetables.

Finally, choose non-fat dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, and look for low-fat cheeses such as ricotta or low fat cottage cheese.