There are 3 main macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein, and fat. And you need all 3 in order to live a healthy life at a healthy weight! So if you have cut fat out of your life in an attempt to lose fat from your body: think again! Including fat in your diet is critical for weight loss. But there are many different types and sources of fat, so if you want to increase your health, try to stick with the healthiest forms of fat.
Fat helps you lose weight by keeping you fuller longer and by decreasing the insulin that occurs after a sugar spike in your body. When you feel full, you are much less likely to reach for the 3 p.m. snack or to gorge on ice cream at midnight. If you eat less, you will naturally lose weight! And insulin is what regulates the amount of fat stored in your body. So, decrease the insulin, and the fat on your body falls off!
So, what kinds of fat should we eat to stay healthy and lose weight?
Well, it is 100% recommended to avoid trans fats – these are the types of fats that clog your arteries and cause heart disease. You’ll find them in highly processed foods.
With saturated fats, it’s best to limit consumption. You can find the recommended daily allowance on any nutrition label. Saturated fats are found in foods like meat and high fat dairy.
The golden fats are mono- and poly-unsaturated fats. These are found naturally in vegetables and have been known to increase overall health: better skin, better heart, better brain, better sleep, and more!
A few GREAT sources of these fats are listed below:
- Avocados
- Olive Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Flax Oil
- Macadamia Nuts
- Almonds
- Nut butters
- Seed butters
Just remember, you don’t need a lot of fat to feel satisfied! A typical serving is 1-2 ounces, and that’s really all you need to make your meal taste great and keep your tummy happy while shedding pounds!
