Summer Camp Week 7: Slim Down with Good Fats

01 Aug Summer Camp Week 7: Slim Down with Good Fats

Posted at 13:23h in Summer Camp by Nicole Catenaro

In the past, nutritional information has told us that consuming fat in our food was bad and would surely lead to weight gain. Newer nutritional research has proven that theory to be oh-so-incorrect. In fact, you need fat to stay healthy in so many ways. The key is to be selective with the sources of fat you are consuming and to consume them in proper amounts.

Let’s take a look at what fat does for our bodies first before we delve into what kinds of foods are good choices for healthy fat.

Fat helps burn fat.

Our bodies need carbs, protein and fat to produce energy. One gram of fat provides more than twice the energy than protein or carbs produce. In order to regulate metabolism, fat is required.

Fat makes you feel full.

Fat takes a long time to digest, so it sits in our digestive systems for a while and keeps you from feeling hungry for a longer period of time.

Fat helps make you happy.

Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to boost serotonin levels in the brain, which are responsible for your feelings of happiness and wellbeing.

Fat helps build muscle.

Fat is absolutely essential for normal growth and development. And, the more energy (produced in part by fat) we have to work out, the better we are able to burn and tone!

Fat makes absorption of some key nutrients possible.

Vitamins A, D, E, K – among other critical nutrients – cannot be absorbed without the consumption of fat. Deficiencies of these vitamins can cause brittle bones, muscle pain, fatigue, and more.

Generally speaking, current research tells us that monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are “good fats”, linked with a reduced risk of heart disease and healthy cholesterol levels. Conversely, saturated fat (which we are suggested to use sparingly) and trans fat (which we are suggested to avoid entirely) are “bad fats”, linked with an increased risk of heart disease and heightened cholesterol levels.

Sticking to this suggestion isn’t always easy – but that’s where supplements can help us. To ensure we get an adequate supply of “better for you” fat each day, there are a variety of liquid and pill supplements available to support us.

Click here to check out an overview of Omega Oil supplements and come and visit one of our friendly team members at Basil Bandwagon to learn more about what supplement might be right for your health needs!