Local School Cuts Fat In Popular Food

State and federal studies show American children weigh more than ever.

Now, one area school district is using a new product that cuts calories and and fat in a popular food item.

Over the past few years, food service director and registered dietitian, Maryann Lazzaro, has tried to give students healthier choices.

Lazzaro said, "We offer six to seven varities of fruit every day. They're eating apples in little bags. We're going through thousands of bags a week."

The cafeteria also goes through gallons of ranch dressing every week.

Kids can't seem to get enough of it. They put ranch dressing on pizza, breadsticks, French fries and just about anything else.

Lazzaro said, "I saw one girl put it on mashed potatoes instead of gravy."

However, ranch dressing is full of fat and calories.

Lazzaro tried to replace it once with reduced-fat dressing, but that didn't go over very well.

According to Lazzaro, "The kids didn't like it; it didn't have the mouth feel that regular ranch had."

So, when the Z Trim company called and asked if she'd like to try a low-fat mayonnaise made from corn hulls, oats and barley, she was ready.

After checking out the ingredients to make sure they were safe, Lazzaro said yes.

Food service workers add dry ranch dressing mix to Z Trim's mayonnaise. They mix in some water and powdered milk, and it becomes the creamy ranch kids love.

The best part is that the kids don't even know they're eating a healthier dressing.

How much healthier is it?

Lazzaro said dressing made with full-fat mayo is about 100 calories per tablespoon. Dressing made with Z Trim is only 25 calories and has 82 percent less fat.

Z Trim has recently unveiled two new dressing flavors, and Lazzaro hopes they will go over as well as the ranch.

For more information: - ZTrim Web Site - 5 Ways to Help Children Win Weight War - PA Obesity Prevention - Armstrong County Schools Start Plan To Fight Obesity - BMI Calculator - Pennsylvania Adolescent Health Study