Margarine or Butter

Margarine is partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. This trans fat was advertised heavily for several decades as a healthy alternative to butter. Most of todays new butter replacements are not much better. Take a close look at the products that advertise "no trans fats" and "Proven to Significantly Lower Cholesterol." More often than not, you'll see the partially hydrogenated vegetable oil in the list of ingredients.If it says fat free or sugar free, the substitute is probably worse than the real thing.

Experiment with olive oil, hummus, honey, or pureed fruits as toppings, depending on the meal, or use a real butter sparingly if you can't resist. Butter does contain vitamin A.