We live in a fat phobic culture. I’m sure this isn’t news to you. Not only are many Americans fearful about gaining weight, but many people are fearful about eating high fat foods because they assume high fat foods increase body fat. We have been bombarded with information proclaiming that low-fat diets are best for our health and weight for a long time. Yet, our country’s health and weight issues have steadily increased since then. Maybe fat isn’t the culprit for our country’s dwindling health; maybe some of the low-fat processed foods contribute to this. Now that is something to ponder…
In fact, eating moderate amounts of fat (25-35% of daily food intake) can help with weight management. Eating foods with fat in them increases the release of the neurotransmitter CCK to the brain, and this tells the brain that you are satisfied after a meal. So, a bit of fat can help us feel more satiated during meals and can help us stay in tune with hunger and satiety. This ultimately helps with weight management.
Foods with fat make a yummy addition to any meal. I don’t know about you but right now the foodie in me is thinking about delicious nuts or nut butters, olives or olive oil, cheese, salmon, pesto , avocados , and dark chocolate.
Fat is also a necessary nutrient for your brain and neural health, cell membranes, healthy skin, hormones, and energy! So, don’t be scared of fat. Remember, no single nutrient or food is the cause of weight gain, but it is the repetition of overeating and not paying attention to satiety overtime that increase our weight. Just savor the flavor that fat brings to your meals and choose fats that give your body health benefits as well (a great list is started for you above). So what is your favorite food with fat?
This post is by Janet Zimmerman, a University of Memphis Nutrition Student and Schilling Nutrition Therapy, LLC Intern. You can follow Janet on Twitter as well at http://twitter.com/JanetZimmerman
We live in a fat phobic culture. I’m sure this isn’t news to you. Not only are many Americans fearful about gaining weight, but many people are fearful about eating high fat foods because they assume high fat foods increase body fat. We have been bombarded with information proclaiming that low-fat diets are best for our health and weight for a long time. Yet, our country’s health and weight issues have steadily increased since then. Maybe fat isn’t the culprit for our country’s dwindling health; maybe some of the low-fat processed foods contribute to this. Now that is something to ponder…
The findings of a large study suggest that there is “no significant association between the amount or type of dietary fat and subsequent weight change”. The study also suggest that low-fat diets are not good prevention for weight gain.
In fact, eating moderate amounts of fat (25-35% of daily food intake) can help with weight management. Eating foods with fat in them increases the release of the neurotransmitter CCK to the brain, and this tells the brain that you are satisfied after a meal. So, a bit of fat can help us feel more satiated during meals and can help us stay in tune with hunger and satiety. This ultimately helps with weight management.
Foods with fat make a yummy addition to any meal. I don’t know about you but right now the foodie in me is thinking about delicious nuts or nut butters, olives or olive oil, cheese, salmon, pesto , avocados , and dark chocolate .
Fat is also a necessary nutrient for your brain and neural health, cell membranes, healthy skin, hormones, and energy! So, don’t be scared of fat. Remember, no single nutrient or food is the cause of weight gain, but it is the repetition of overeating and not paying attention to satiety overtime that increase our weight. Just savor the flavor that fat brings to your meals and choose fats that give your body health benefits as well (a great list is started for you above). So what is your favorite food with fat?
This post is by Janet Zimmerman, a University of Memphis Nutrition Student and Schilling Nutrition Therapy, LLC Intern. You can follow Janet on Twitter as well at http://twitter.com/JanetZimmerman