Marketers do a good job of convincing us that fat is bad news. The word 'fat' is associated with an overweight body so of course consumers, until they are better educated, will be more apt to purchase the 'fat free' product in hopes to stay or get thin. Did you know that the best source of energy for the body is in fact fat? This means you need fat to survive and thrive! As you've heard, it's not just any fat that counts. Getting some fat with every meal is important for overall functioning and feeling satiated. When companies sell their product as 'fat-free' you can be assured that they've replaced the missing fat with something else. That something else is typically carbohydrates that send you for a wild blood sugar roller coaster ride. In addition, this added sugar (without high levels of fiber) will actually increase fat stores - the exact opposite reason why you may have purchased this product in the first place!
Renowned nutrition researcher, Walter Willett of Harvard University says that, "We have found virtually no relationship between the percentage of calories from fat and any important health outcome." In plain and simple terms, fat will not make you fat or sick or rob you of energy.
Get a balanced mixture of saturated, omega-3s', omega-9's and omega-6's fats into your diet. Here are some to experiment with:
• Eggs (the yolk and the white)
• Coconut oil
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Olives
• Almonds
Remember, fat does not make you fat. Fat is crucial for the cell walls; sex and adrenal hormones; regulating blood pressure, blood clotting, inflammation and the immune response; the brain and neural functioning. Just like any nutrient, a fat that is detrimental to one individual may improve health in someone else. A fatty acid profile (a test offered here at Aetheria Spa) will determine your needs and deficiencies. Another option is to find out your own individualized metabolic type. Some types do better on a higher fat diet. To learn more, email me at alison@aetheriaspa.com or call the spa at 203-966-6650.
Until then, choose low-fat over fat-free any day....and if you're feeling extra hungry, give the full-fat product a try!
Alison is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (affiliated with Columbia University) and a Masters Degree candidate in Human Nutrition. She is certified by the Association of Drugless Practitioners and has a private practice in Fairfield County.
Alison empowers individuals to become the best version of themselves through exceptional nutrition and health counseling. With a passion for and extensive knowledge in healthy living and delicious whole foods, Alison works closely with her clients guiding them to a happier, healthier way of life. Examples of client results include optimized anti-aging protocol, strengthened immune system, lowered cholesterol, increased energy and performance, weight loss/gain, stress reduction, pain elimination and improved sleep,
Her nutritional insights, "Healthy Bite," will be featured regularly in future issues of Aetherial Living.
If you enjoy this article, or would like to know more about Alison, please drop her a comment at alison@aetheriaspa.com
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