You need the right fat to live. But trans fat, also called partially hydrogenated oil, is detrimental to your heart health because it increases blood cholesterol. Trans fats are manufactured by adding hydrogen to vegetable oils to make them more solid at room temperature. Become a trans-fat bounty hunter. Don't let harmful trans fats hide out in your meal plan. In place of trans fat, look to substitute polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat—both typically liquid at room temperature.
Step it up:
Eliminate trans fats from snack foods and when dining out. Be a watchdog on food labels, steer clear of rich pastries and baked goods, and ask questions about menu options at restaurants.