Is Fat Good For You?

Did you grow up in the “low fat” era like me? I wonder how many low fat sugar loaded cookies I ate thinking, “these are REALLY good for me!”

I’ve wised up in my old age and have learned that fat is not bad and not all fats are created equal. 

The Skinny on Fats

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.

Our bodies need 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. 

By avoiding fat because you think you’re going to get fat is 1990’s thinking. Make it a habit to include healthy fats in your diet everyday. 

Where to Find Healthy Fats

• Avocados, olives, and coconuts are great sources of healthy fat, along with wild salmon and omega-3 rich organic eggs.
• Whole nuts and seeds, and their butters like almond butter or tahini (makes for tasty dressing!)
• 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.

How to Use Healthy Fats:

• For cooking at high temperatures (stir frying and baking), try butter, ghee (clarified butter), avocado 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.

Get your family hooked on healthy fats with this easy recipe:

Avocado Dip
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Makes 1 cup

1 large peeled and pitted avocado
2/3 cup plain yogurt, goat yogurt, coconut yogurt, or almond yogurt
1 diced tomato
a squirt of lemon or lime juice
dash or two of cayenne pepper
sea salt and black pepper

• Mash avocado with a fork until very smooth.
• Add yogurt, tomato, cayenne. Blend until smooth. This may be done in a food processor, in a blender, or with a fork.
• Add sea salt and fresh black pepper to taste.
• Serve chilled with mixed raw vegetables.
  Tip: Best made a maximum of 1 hour before serving.

If you’re serious about feeling good and losing stubborn weight, contact me about a food sensitivity and GI Map test. Removing the hidden stressors will help you break free from the vicious yo-yo weight loss cycle.

Schedule a Break thru the Gut Rut strategy call with me today to start understanding your reactive foods and how to balance your system to start feeling good. Schedule your session here-> BREAK THRU

Be Gutsy as a Mother,

-Mary