Fear the Fat?

Written by Nabila Bhimji

A Registered Holistic Nutritionist, a certified Food Psychology Coach, Mind-Body/Coach, Food Relationship Coach, and Life Coach from Coquitlam, BC. - Canada

December 13, 2014

 

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The worst thing you can do for your body if you want to lose weight or improve your health, is to cut out essential food groups. It frustrates me to see popularized but unhealthy diets that tell you to cut food groups such as fats or carbohydrates. Your body needs all macronutrients to survive and thrive.

Fats are essential for optimal health and are mandatory for all of our body’s functions. Fats help keep our skin glowing, our minds sharp and our moods stable. The key is moderation and consuming the right types of fats.

Here are some other key benefits to having fat in our diet:

  • They aid in the transportation and absorption of vitamins A, D, K and E into our body and cells
  • They protect our vital organs from damage due to trauma and temperature changes
  • They are a source of energy and a vital component of the cell membrane
  • Essential Fatty Acids are key to helping heal depression, anxiety and low self –esteem
  • Essential Fatty Acids have been known to help with  mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Schizophrenia  and can help children with Autism and ADHD
  • Essential Fatty Acids are also a great anti-inflammatory and help to ease joint pain and boosting immunity.
  • Fat surrounds nerve fibers in the brain and allows brain messages to be carried to the body faster and more efficiently.
  • Fat helps with memory

 

So looks like fats are not that bad after all! But not all fats are created equal. For your best health it is best to minimize the following types of fat:

  •  Transfats! Avoid these as much as possible. They are in processed foods and baked goods. They are in my opinion the worst type of fat as they are made artificially.
  • Saturated fats. These are found in meat and dairy products
  • Unsaturated Fats- Theses come mainly from vegetable oil and although not the best form of fat, coconut oil and olive oil are the exception and provide numerous health benefits.

 

The types of fats you want to consume daily include Essential Fatty Acids. EFA’s are essential because they are not made by your body, they must come from food. EFA’s are your Omega 3 and 6. Sources of Omega 3 include fish such as salmon and herring, walnuts, flax, chia and hemp seeds. Omega 6 can be found in sesame and sunflower seeds or oils. And as mentioned above coconut and olive oil (cold pressed virgin) are amazing healthy fat sources

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