In recent years, research has found that watching your daily fat intake is critical for both losing weight and improving your overall health. In response to these findings, today's snack aisles boast hundreds of reduced-fat and virtually fat-free products. But, the food manufacturers are not the only ones with an answer.

Good cookware, made with high-quality non-stick surfaces like SilverStone or Teflon, allows you to get the most flavor out of your food, with the least added fat. Unlike most cookware, minimal or no oil is required to prevent food from sticking to these pans and to achieve the desired flavor.

"Look for the very best. The best aluminum, the best non-stick surfaces, a thick base. It's a lifetime investment that continues to pay you back in many ways," said Todd Johnson, a cookware expert and vice president of merchandise at Reading China & More!, the nation's first kitchen superstore. Berndes Aluminum Cookware and Le Creuset Skillet Grill are two of his favorites.

Berndes cookware combines traditional styling and craftsmanship with the convenience of SilverStone. "What makes the Berndes pan truly unique from other pans, is that it has triple coated SilverStone over heavy gauge cast aluminum for greater durability," said Johnson. "Other less expensive pans, probably purchased as throw-away pans, are replaced every couple of years or so-all that money can certainly add up," he added.

The top-quality non-stick surface protects food from the accidental sticking and burning that so often happens with other cookware. It sells at Reading China for about $35 (approximately $40 at other stores).

For those who appreciate the great taste of grilled foods-one of the healthiest and most flavorful preparation methods-Johnson finds Le Creuset's skillet grill ideal for indoor grilling.

"The grill offers fast, high-flavored cuisine-even during the colder months," said Johnson. The special enamel is built to last and carries a 100 year warranty. Available in white, blue or green, the indoor grill sells for under $40 (found at up to $80 at other retailers).

Other recommendations for healthy eating:

• Learn more about low-fat ingredients. Which ingredients are naturally low in fat and which low-fat substitutes taste as delicious as their high-fat counterparts?

• Learn to flavor dishes with herbs, spices and other low-fat condiments. Avoid condiments that are mayonnaise- or cream-based.