Diluting Low-Fat Milk

I buy 2 percent milk and dilute it by half with water to make my own 1 percent milk at half the cost. Is this smart, or am I just fooling myself? —V.M., Glenwood, IowaThe difference between 1 percent, 2 percent and whole milk is the fat and calorie content. The 1 percent milk is 99 percent fat-free; 2 percent milk is 98 percent fat-free; and whole milk contains about 3-1/2 percent fat.

All three contain the same amount of vitamins and minerals. By adding water, you’re diluting the vitamins and minerals. Your best bet is to choose 1 percent milk to get the full benefit of its nutrients.