cover image Get the Fat Out: 501 Simple Ways to Cut the Fat in Any Diet

Get the Fat Out: 501 Simple Ways to Cut the Fat in Any Diet

Victoria Moran. Three Rivers Press (CA), $11 (185pp) ISBN 978-0-517-88184-2

By now it's a well-known fact that Americans consume far too much fat in their daily diets. Reducing fat is a necessity for those who want to lose weight, fend off heart disease and generally feel better. If eliminating fat simply meant avoiding buttered toast, it would be simple. But it's not. Virtually everything edible under the sun contains fat; learning about fat and its effect on the body takes some research. Cutting down on or eliminating fat completely means, essentially, that you have to learn how to cook--and eat--all over again. Moran's book is a good source of education. It is divided into nine chapters devoted to getting the fat out of desserts, soups and salads and to incorporating exercise and healthier eating habits for weight loss and maintenance. The chapters are not packed with low-fat recipes. Instead, what Moran has done is to pass on hints, suggestions and cooking methods for reducing and/or ousting fat from different dishes. (Some recipes are provided, like low-fat pesto and chunky apple spice muffins.) The bulk of the information is gathered from Moran's own experience and from other diet specialists. Moran also cites a number of low-fat products available in ethnic or health food stores and various books and publications for more information. (Apr.)