Fats

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This is not a natural form of fat and was originally made as a "healthier" substitute for saturated fat.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

Carbohydrates

Proteins

Blog post by Erin Womboldt.