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Our Healthy Bodies

What’s the ‘Skinny’ on Fats?

Remember the low-fat diet?  Some folks eliminated fats entirely—but they still gained weight!   And eliminating fats is NOT healthy for the body.   Fats tell our bodies we are ‘full’ and give us that ‘satisfied’ feeling after we eat.  The trick is to eat the ‘right’ fats and reduce or eliminate the unhealthy ones.

We need ‘healthy’ fats for the skin to be soft and supple, hair to be shiny, and organs to function properly.  These healthy fats include olive, canola, and flaxseed oils, and cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna. 

Nuts contain healthy fats, as well as protein and fiber, and should be eaten in moderation.  They are extremely healthy, but they are high in calories—so just limit how many are eaten daily.  A small handful of nuts or 1-2 Tbsp. of nut butter is just right.

Meat, butter, and cheese contain saturated fat and should be limited in the diet.  Saturated and trans fats can clog the arteries, and are a contributor to heart and other diseases.  As of 2006, the FDA is requiring food labels to measure trans fats as well as saturated fats.  Trans fats are commonly found in margarine, crackers, salad dressings, cookies, and many other foods.  Trans fats should be avoided, as they can be very damaging to the body--read food labels carefully, and try not to eat them.

A few general tips are:

· Try to eat a small portion of nuts daily.

· Use olive oil instead of butter, or mix them for flavor.

· Eat red meat and cheese in moderation.

· Carefully read labels and avoid trans fats.

Susan Seaburg is a Wellness Coach, Nutritionist, and Yoga Teacher who writes articles and consults with individuals and families to help them achieve their wellness objectives.

© Susan Seaburg, 2006

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