Your Body Needs Fat!
Fat has gotten a bad reputation, but your body NEEDS fat! Here is why:
- Your brain is about 60% fat. Healthy fats feed your brain!
- Fat helps your body absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Fat cushions and protects your organs
- Fat keeps you warm
- Fat gives you long-lasting energy
The trick is eating the RIGHT kinds of fat.
Healthy fats (eat regularly):
- Avocados: Creamy and delicious, full of good fat
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans
- Seeds: Sunflower, pumpkin, chia, flax
- Olive oil: The foundation of Mediterranean cooking
- Fish: Salmon and tuna have omega-3 fatty acids (amazing for brain health)
- Nut butters: Peanut butter, almond butter
Unhealthy fats (eat rarely):
- Trans fats: Found in some processed foods, fried fast food, and some margarine. These are the WORST fats.
- Excess saturated fat: Found in fatty meat, butter, and full-fat dairy. Small amounts are fine; large amounts are not.
The difference? Healthy fats help your heart and brain. Unhealthy fats clog your arteries over time.