With more than 30,000 different foods in a typical supermarket, selecting foods that fit a low-fat eating plan can seem overwhelming. Try these tips to keep your cart on the low-fat track.

Focus on the Pyramid. Let the Food Guide Pyramid guide you to a healthful diet. Load your cart with breads, cereals, rice, and pasta. Include smaller amounts of lean meats, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, whole grain, and low-fat dairy products. Go easy on fats, oils and sweets.  Click here for a chart with more information.

Read the Label. The Nutrition Facts food label tells you how much fat, cholesterol, sodium, fiber, vitamins and minerals are in the foods you buy. Look for nutrition information for fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood on Nutri-Facts posters or brochures in many supermarkets.

Try New Versions of Old Favorites. An abundance of reduced-fat and fat-free goodies such as cakes, cookies and ice cream are now available. These foods can help you reduce fat while enjoying a treat. But remember, fat-reduced items aren't necessarily low in calories, so keep serving sizes sensible and read the label.  Check for sodium and suger/carbohydrate content.

Look at Your List. Review your grocery shopping list. Can you replace some items with lower-fat choices? Modify or substitute where possible.

Keep It Convenient. To save time and stick with a healthful eating plan. Pick up convenience foods like prewashed and chopped lettuce and vegetables, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, and low-fat frozen entrees.

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