Ever since the “low fat” craze, people got fatter! Why? Many people did not realize the food industry substituted sugar for fat or vegetable fat for saturated (“bad”) fat keeping the calorie content the same! Did the public not realize you could get fat on too much sugar too? With more fat-free products than ever, Americans got fatter, which has contributed to an epidemic of obesity. It is best to just eat real food fresh food. A dessert made from organic high-quality ingredients is fine to consume in moderation.
Good oils are used to provide healthy fatty acids and antioxidants and are needed to help satisfy hunger and will stabilize blood sugars, as well as supply essential fatty acids needed for skin, hair, nails, and hormone function.
The Skinny on Fat
COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil has been a subject of controversy in the past years. Although this oil contains a high percentage of saturated fats, it is actually a good choice because the fats in coconut oil are in the form of medium-chain fatty acids, which are known to increase metabolism and are digested and absorbed better than other fats and may reduce risk of heart disease and cancer. Use organic unprocessed coconut oil. Try making a stir fry or coconut milk curry sauce with coconut oil. Rub some in your hair while you are at it for deep conditioning.
OLIVE OIL
Good olive oil is so delicious! We recommend extra virgin, cold pressed olive oil. We especially love EVOO from Greece or Italy. It makes great salad dressings, sauces, and can be used in cooking. High in mono-unsaturated fatty acids, olive oil has been shown to improve cardiovascular health. Extra virgin means that it is directly pressed from the olives, which means it has not gone through any harsh processing and will contain the highest level of antioxidants and flavor.
AVOCADOS
Although avocadoes are technically fruit, they are counted as a fat. Avocados are loaded with nutrients and are a great on a sandwich or toast, as a topper to a salad, or to make a mean guacamole, smoothie, or avocado chocolate mousse. Avocados are super foods and one of the healthiest ways to add “brain food” to you diet.
BUTTER
Butter can also be used for cooking and is MUCH healthier than margarines which contain chemicals and hydrogenated trans fats. Margarine converts liquid oils to solids. This process involves changing the chemical structure of the oil, thereby rendering it a “bad fat.” Avoid all margarines or imitation butters. Again, buy organic, natural butter. Margarine is one molecule away from plastic. You do not want that in your body!
OTHER FATS
Organic nut butters and nuts are healthy fats that provide good sources of iron, protein, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Hummus has really become popular and is a great source of good fats. Try one of the interesting flavors now available – our favorite is caramelized onion and balsamic! We like grapeseed oil for cooking at high temperatures, especially for stir-frying and sautéing. It contains more polyunsaturated fat than monounsaturated oils, therefore, use small amounts. Other oils such as walnut and sesame can add delicious flavors to various cuisines you make so we like to keep those on hand as well.
So, the skinny on fat is that good fat choices provide essential fatty acids and nutrients needed to optimize many body functions. Dump the junk. Choose your fat wisely.
