Is Eating Fat Good or Bad?

What’s the deal? Is Fat Good or Bad?

Both. You see, not all fats are created equal.

Here is the deal with fats.

Heavily processed, hydrogenated “trans” fats used in prepared, packaged foods can be extremely damaging to the body. They can compromise the cardiovascular system, immune system, and contribute to behavior problems. They can also lead to weight gain, skin breakouts, high blood pressure, and liver strain.

That said, our bodies need fat for insulation, vitamin and mineral absorption, and to protect our organs. High-quality fats can steady our metabolism, keep hormone levels even, nourish our skin, hair, and nails, and provide lubrication to keep the body functioning fluidly.

Eat your healthy fats.

Avocados (my favorite), olives, and coconuts are great sources of healthy fat, along with wild salmon and omega-3 rich organic eggs.

Whole nuts and seeds, and their butters like almond butter or tahini.

Look for the highest-quality organic oils when shopping. Words to look for: organic, first-pressed, cold-pressed, extra-virgin, and unrefined. Avoid expeller-pressed, refined, and solvent extracted.

Let’s learn how to cook with fats:

• For cooking at high temperatures (stir frying and baking), try grass-fed butter, ghee (clarified butter), or coconut oil
• When sautéing foods, try organic extra virgin olive oil.
• Oils like flaxseed, sesame, toasted sesame, walnut, and pumpkin seed are best used unheated in sauces or dressings.

Ok, so I really heart green smoothies. I love them as a breakfast or post-workout meal. Try this creamy avocado-y smoothie!

Avocado Summer Smoothie

Gather:

1/2 avocado

1 cup organic frozen berries

1/2 frozen banana

Dash of cinnamon

1 tablespoon of almond butter (or 10 almonds)

1 tablespoon chia seeds

2 cups of greens (spinach, kale, chard, etc.)

Blend!