Monday, February 4, 2013

Fat Fighting Fats!


Body fat literally affects our appetite, energy, and the way that our body protects against disease. Being  extremely selective in our food choices will help take an effective anti-inflammatory approach to dieting. But completely cutting out fat isn't the answer...it is replacing bad fat with good fat that will win the battle against the bulge.

Like carbohydrates and protein, fat is an essential nutrient. This means that your body requires it for key functions, such as absorbing the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. "Fat is also an important energy source and is vital for keeping your skin and hair healthy and smooth," says Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D., author of "Read It Before You Eat It". Even more surprising: Research is revealing that eating the right fats can actually lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity, and improve your cholesterol levels. That's because all fats are not created equal, Dr. Hu points out. It's not the total amount of fat in your diet that affects how much you weigh or whether you're at risk for heart disease, according to rigorous studies from the past decade. What matters is the type of fats you choose.
Stick to Omega 3 rich foods and avoid sugary starchy foods that will send your blood sugar levels soaring. Remember that excess insulin and high blood sugar will always store fat and accelerate aging. Healthy fats play an important role in managing your moods, fight fatigue, and even control your weight. Cold Fish such as Salmon, Halibut, Anchovies, Snapper, Bass, Bluefish, Trout, Herring, Mackerel, or high-quality cold-water fish oil supplements are essential fatty acids that will always help eliminate toxic fat.. Canned albacore tuna and lake trout can also be good sources, depending on how the fish were raised and processed. These Omega 3 fatty acids are know to ease arthritis, joint pain and inflammatory skin conditions. Protect against memory loss and dementia. And reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer.  Other good fats are Olives, Almonds, peanuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, cashews, avocados, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, sesame, and pumpkin seeds, white meat chicken or turkey, low fat cheese, yogurt, vegetable oils, and hazelnuts.                                                
Essential fatty acids are those that our body can not make on it's own and but is necessary so we must obtain them from our food. It's not hard to add essential fatty acids to your current diet. All it takes is a conscious effort on your part to do it.