Thursday, March 14, 2013

Fats: the lean truth

Cutting out fat from your diet would seem to make sense if you're looking to lose weight or keep it off, but on the contrary, this notion is completely false. We actually need to be eating certain fats in order to shed some pounds and maintain a lean physic, for by cutting out all fat from your meals, you're actually putting yourself in a situation to eat more! Fat leaves us feeling satiated, which makes us feel fuller for longer periods of time. Additionally, fat aids in cell restoration and protects your organs. There are of course limits to fat intake; consuming too much can indeed lead to weight gain, so portion control is key. It's also crucial to be eating the right kinds of fat; there are the fats that are good for you, and the ones that you surely want to avoid, being trans fats. These are of the unnatural, manmade variety (think processed foods, such as microwaveable popcorn and crackers, as well as fried foods). Below is a list of a few of the healthy fats you should be eating!

Almonds: made up of unsaturated fat, almonds are loaded with protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

Olive oil: not only abundant in monounsaturated fat (which lowers bad cholesterol, increases good cholesterol, and reduces inflammation), but it's also great for your heart!

Avocados: also abundant in monounsaturated fat and chalk-full of vitamins and minerals, when eaten with other nutrient-rich foods, avocados aid in absorbing their antioxidants so you get the most out of them.

Salmon: the Omega-3 fatty acids found in this fish aid in reducing fat storage and building muscle, and the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn.

Dark chocolate: this healthy treat is a great way to curb your sugar cravings, lower blood pressure, increase blood circulation, fighting stress and boosting your mood.

Pumpkin Seeds: low in carbohydrates, this seed is a great source of zinc, magnesium, and Vitamin E (but be sure to purchase them unsalted to reduce your sodium intake!).

Click the link here to read up on some additional healthy fats as recommended by Cooking Light that you can incorporate into your diet, along with the appropriate serving sizes!

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