Fat and Fitness

Fat is necessary to optimal health. That's a fact. However, the kind of fat you eat can make a difference between dumpy and defined.

Man-made fats, trans fats, are the worst. Don't even go near them. You wouldn't eat poisonous mushrooms. Think of trans fats as about the same except you won't die quite as fast.

Animal fat is basically bad. It causes inflammation, which puts you at risk for all kinds of disease, and does not contribute to getting lean. Inflammation seems to be at the root of just about every cardiovascular and neurological disease there is.

Should you eliminate all animal fat? That's up to you. Personally, I eat an egg every now and then, tiny quantities of goat cheese (naturally low in fat) and low-fat feta cheese. That's it.

Now to the good news. Many plant-based fats are great for your health and for helping you lose weight and stay lean.

Peanut butter not only helps you lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk; it can also help you lose weight by helping your feel full longer.

Avocados are another great food full of monunsaturated fat that appear to protect your heart and lower your risk of certain types of cancer.

Olive oil, of course, is another healthy fat that should definitely be part of your diet.

Omega-3, the fat found in fish and walnuts, seems to actually help your body burn fat.

To learn more, check out these articles:
"5 foods that should have a place in your diet"
"How Fats Help You Lose Fat"
"Good Fats Make You Healthier and Help You Lose Weight"
"Lose Weight Quickly & Easily By Getting Fat"

Enjoy foods with healthy fats, and know that they are helping you get that lean look you want.