Do you ever ask yourself if fat is good or bad for you?
Well the answer is both. You see, when it comes to fat, not all fats are created equal. The important thing to know is which fats are good and which are bad.
Heavily processed, hydrogenated “trans” fats used in prepared, packaged foods can be extremely damaging to the body. They can compromise the cardiovascular system, immune system, and contribute to behavior problems. They can also lead to weight gain, skin breakouts, high blood pressure, and liver strain.
Many people are scared of eating fats which is really too bad. Do you remember the days of the low fat diets? Wow talk about deprivation, toxic and always feeling hungry or better yet hangry!
Our bodies need dietary fat for insulation, vitamin and mineral absorption, and to protect our organs. High-quality fats can steady our metabolism, keep hormone levels even, nourish our skin, hair, and nails, and provide lubrication to keep the body functioning fluidly.
So let’s look at where we can find healthy fats:
- Avocados, olives, coconuts, wild salmon, and organic eggs.
- Whole nuts and seeds, and their butters like almond butter or tahini.
- Look for the highest quality organic oils when shopping. Words to look for: organic, first-pressed, cold-pressed, extra-virgin, and unrefined. Avoid expeller-pressed, refined, and solvent extracted.
Here are a few ideas on ways to use healthy fats when cooking:
- For cooking at high temperatures (stir frying and baking), try butter, ghee (clarified butter), or coconut oil.
- When sautéing foods, try organic extra virgin olive oil.
- Oils like flaxseed, sesame, toasted sesame, walnut, and pumpkin seed are best used unheated in sauces or dressings.
Healthy fats are good for our body and key is in knowing which fats to buy. One of my favorite dietary fats is avocado. Click here for an easy recipe that is delicious served chilled with raw veggies.
To quote Dr.Mark Hyman, who wrote the book, Eat Fat, Get Thin, I hope this helps you “separate the fat from fiction“.
If you would like help learning how to choose good-for-you foods, you might want to start with my 5-day FREE audio nutrition program. Just fill out the form below to be put on the list. But hurry…..registration ends January 2nd, 2018.
That’s it for today. Hope you have the healthiest and happiest New Year possible.
Patti
