Dietary fat: is it good or bad?

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

The Skinny on 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.

Where to Find Healthy Fats

• Avocados, olives, and coconuts are great sources of healthy fat.
• Raw 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.
• Avoid canola, cotton and soy; as these are most likely GMO unless they are organic.

How to Use Healthy Fats:

• For cooking at high temperatures (stir frying and baking), try avocado oil or coconut oil.
• When sautéing foods, I like to use avocado or coconut oil as well.
• Oils like extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed, sesame, toasted sesame, walnut, hemp, and pumpkin seed are best used unheated in sauces or dressings.

Try this delicious, easy recipe:

Avocado Dip
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Makes 1 cup

1 large peeled and pitted avocado
2/3 cup plain coconut yogurt or almond yogurt
1 diced tomato
a squirt of lemon or lime juice
dash or two of cayenne pepper
sea salt and black pepper

• Mash avocado with a fork until very smooth.
• Add yogurt, tomato, cayenne. Blend until smooth. This may be done in a food processor, in a blender, or with a fork.
• Add sea salt and fresh black pepper to taste.
• Serve chilled with mixed raw vegetables.
  Tip: Best made a maximum of 1 hour before serving.

GET EVEN HEALTHIER!

Want help learning how to choose and use nutritious fats and other good-for-you foods? Curious about how health coaching can help you make your own healthy changes? Let’s talk! Schedule an Free Strategy Session with me today—or pass this offer on to someone you care about!

ABOUT ME

I received my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I learned about more than one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods. Drawing on this knowledge, I will help you create a completely personalized “roadmap to health” that suits your unique body, lifestyle, preferences, and goals.
Learn more about my training and my unique approach to health coaching.

 

Start a Revolyoution!

Peace ✌

Kevin Otto