What would you say if we told you that you need fat to lose weight? Shocked?

 

Well, it’s true! In fact, fats help you not only lose weight, but can also improve your mood, and boost your immune system. They are an essential part of your diet, and your body requires fats in order to function. They help you absorb vitamins, are vital for your nervous system, and can even help lower your risk of heart disease.

 

The key is in determining which fats are good for you, and which are not.

 

Good Fats (Unsaturated)

 

Unsaturated fats are good for your body. They help increase HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol in your body. They protect against the buildup of plaque in your arteries, boost brain function, and strengthen your immune system. You can find these fats in certain oils, nuts, flaxseed, fish (like salmon and mackerel), and even avocados.

Bad Fats (Saturated)

 

Saturated fats & trans fats are the ones you want to avoid. They raise cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. Trans fats are unsaturated fats that have been chemically altered to prolong the shelf life of packaged foods. Stay away from foods with unsaturated fats including products like cream, butter, coconut and palm oil. Also steer clear of foods containing trans fats like shortening, margarine, and processed foods like cookies, chips and cakes.

 

So the next time you’re planning your diet, don’t opt for non-fat options. Make sure you get a healthy amount of the good stuff, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results.