Fats

Erin Womboldt, Nutrition Leave a comment

There
are four Macro Nutrients; Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats, and Water.

Fats
are a main source for energy in our bodies. Exercise bouts longer than 20
minutes use fat as the main energy source.


Myth: Eating fat will make me fat.


Facts: Fat is an essential part of the human diet. there are different types of
fat that effect the body differently.



Saturated Fat
Typically, solid at room temperature, like a stick of butter. Most
saturated fats come from animal products. 


Unsaturated Fat
Typically, in liquid form at room temperature, like oils. This
type of fat can help decrease LDL cholesterol in the body.


Trans-fat
This is not a natural form of fat and was originally made as a
“healthier” substitute for saturated fat. Through research trans-fats
have been linked to an increase risk for heart disease and it is suggested by
the USDA to limit the intake of any trans-fats in our diets. Trans-fats are
commonly found in fast foods and highly processed “junk” food. Tip:
look on the label for “hydrogenated and
partially hydrogenated oils”.


Tips & Tricks:


  • Avoid
    Tran- fats. Check labels for “hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils”.
  • Try
    and use high fat foods that are also packed with nutrients. Such as avocados or
    nuts!
  • Worried
    about cholesterol? Try switching to vegetable fats such as olive oil in your
    cooking!
  • No
    one nutrient makes us “fat” on its own, it is the combination of
    these nutrients in our diets and how much of each we consume that create the
    complex equation that leads to weight gain, weight loss, or weight maintenance. 

ICYMI
Blog post by Erin Womboldt.