In my post about carbohydrates, I asked the question: what is the difference between a gooey cinnamon roll and a bushel of carrots? The answer was that they’re both carbohydrates, but clearly they are not equal in health value and contribution to fat loss.
The same goes for fats. Not all fats are created equal.
Food that is cooked or deep fried in refined oil loses its nutritional value during the cooking process. The level of toxic saturated fat increases and is clearly not good for a healthy body.
Hamburgers, pizza, fried chicken, chips and chocolate bars unfortunately all contain unhealthy fats and are one of the main contributors to the obesity epidemic.
However, all fats are not bad fats. We need good fats in your diet to maintain optimal body composition, a healthy brain, happy hormones and youthful skin.
The “Fat-Free” Fallacy
As a mother of 6 busy children, grocery shopping used to be a daunting task. How do I feed myself and my family in the healthiest way possible with so much “stuff” out there?
Walking through the aisles, we are bombarded by foods marketed to be “fat-free,” “sugar-free,” “low-calorie,” and other claims that could make you feel like you’re making a bad decision by purchasing something containing good fats.
Overwhelmed by all the options, I started doing my research and the results were astounding.
Believe it or not, “diet” foods are actually unhealthy as they often contain synthetic ingredients and more sugar, to replace the fat that has been reduced. Even the low-fat mini yogurts have been stripped of fats and replaced with more sugar.
Instead of using store bought salad dressing make your own with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and fresh herbs. If you want a creamy version add avocado.
The Mediterranean Diet
The same goes for fats. Not all fats are created equal.
Food that is cooked or deep fried in refined oil loses its nutritional value during the cooking process. The level of toxic saturated fat increases and is clearly not good for a healthy body.
Hamburgers, pizza, fried chicken, chips and chocolate bars unfortunately all contain unhealthy fats and are one of the main contributors to the obesity epidemic.
However, all fats are not bad fats. We need good fats in your diet to maintain optimal body composition, a healthy brain, happy hormones and youthful skin.
The “Fat-Free” Fallacy
As a mother of 6 busy children, grocery shopping used to be a daunting task. How do I feed myself and my family in the healthiest way possible with so much “stuff” out there?
Walking through the aisles, we are bombarded by foods marketed to be “fat-free,” “sugar-free,” “low-calorie,” and other claims that could make you feel like you’re making a bad decision by purchasing something containing good fats.
Overwhelmed by all the options, I started doing my research and the results were astounding.
Believe it or not, “diet” foods are actually unhealthy as they often contain synthetic ingredients and more sugar, to replace the fat that has been reduced. Even the low-fat mini yogurts have been stripped of fats and replaced with more sugar.
Instead of using store bought salad dressing make your own with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and fresh herbs. If you want a creamy version add avocado.
The Mediterranean Diet
| Did you know that Europeans who eat a high-fat diet have the lowest instances of heart disease? Think thin-crust, olive oil and fresh cheese pizza, olives, fresh egg pasta, extra virgin olive oil and vinaigrette dressed salads. Good fats support a healthy metabolism. When looking at fats, carbohydrates and proteins, fats have more energy stores. When you exercise, you have longer sustained energy with healthy fats in your diet, whether you are walking or working out at the gym. |  |
Europeans still enjoy eating their healthy fat-rich foods over a longer period of time, taking the time to enjoy their food, often outdoors in the fresh air with their families and friends. These factors contribute to sustained fat-loss and overall vitality. The fat content in the Mediterranean diet is high, but the people who follow this are some of the world’s leanest with the lowest instances of cardiovascular disease. Being married to an Italian, I have really enjoyed mealtime at Nonna's. We spend hours gathered around her table, savouring her amazing Italian dishes and enjoying each other's company.
Curb the Cravings
Have you ever tried dieting? Have you experienced constant cravings for sugar, carbs, fat and salt?
One of the main problems with dieting is that when you’re restricting calories and avoiding the foods you think you love (cookies, chips, pizza...), your body and mind know that you’re missing out on them - and this is where cravings start.
However, if your body is getting the key nutrients it needs to function optimally the cravings will subside.
Healthy fats are one of the key nutrients to keep you feeling full and satisfied. When you’re eating foods with healthy fats, your body actually gets a signal that says, “Mmmmm! The foods that I love! This is what I want so I don’t need to crave anything!”
Some studies even report that omega-3 fatty acids, found in high-quantities in wild-caught fish, can increase your serotonin (happiness) levels and your motivation to stick to a healthy eating plan.
Health Coach Cheryl's Tips for How to Add Healthy Fats for Fat Loss
Curb the Cravings
Have you ever tried dieting? Have you experienced constant cravings for sugar, carbs, fat and salt?
One of the main problems with dieting is that when you’re restricting calories and avoiding the foods you think you love (cookies, chips, pizza...), your body and mind know that you’re missing out on them - and this is where cravings start.
However, if your body is getting the key nutrients it needs to function optimally the cravings will subside.
Healthy fats are one of the key nutrients to keep you feeling full and satisfied. When you’re eating foods with healthy fats, your body actually gets a signal that says, “Mmmmm! The foods that I love! This is what I want so I don’t need to crave anything!”
Some studies even report that omega-3 fatty acids, found in high-quantities in wild-caught fish, can increase your serotonin (happiness) levels and your motivation to stick to a healthy eating plan.
Health Coach Cheryl's Tips for How to Add Healthy Fats for Fat Loss
- Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to your favourite smoothie.
- Add nuts and seeds to your salad.
- Add avocado to your whole grain wrap.
- Add olive oil to homemade salad dressings.
Fat To Keep You Full
Healthy fats will fill you up without filling you out! By slowing down the absorption of carbs you will feel full and satisfied after a meal that contains healthy fats.
Still skeptical on how eating fat can help you lose fat? Interested in learning about how easy it is to add healthy fats to your diet?
Click the button below to book your free 30 minute health coaching session with me, Health Coach Cheryl, where I will coach you on how to add healthy fats to your diet. I’m a mother of 6 and through a lifetime of education and practice, I have a wealth of knowledge and recipes to share with you on your journey to vibrant health and a lean body.
Click here to read what my clients are saying about the positive impact I've had on their lives.
Healthy fats will fill you up without filling you out! By slowing down the absorption of carbs you will feel full and satisfied after a meal that contains healthy fats.
Still skeptical on how eating fat can help you lose fat? Interested in learning about how easy it is to add healthy fats to your diet?
Click the button below to book your free 30 minute health coaching session with me, Health Coach Cheryl, where I will coach you on how to add healthy fats to your diet. I’m a mother of 6 and through a lifetime of education and practice, I have a wealth of knowledge and recipes to share with you on your journey to vibrant health and a lean body.
Click here to read what my clients are saying about the positive impact I've had on their lives.
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